Whales are facing mortality in the waters of British Columbia, with some being struck by ships and others struggling to locate sustenance due to the noise generated by vessels. In a disturbing incident captured on video in May, a Sea-Doo collided with a grey whale near Vancouver, while in a separate occurrence last October, a humpback whale was hit by a whale-watching boat, leading to its subsequent discovery in the same vicinity. A similar incident took place a month earlier when a humpback was struck by a B.C. Ferries vessel, resulting in the finding of a dead whale the following day.
This distressing trend appears to be on the rise, possibly exacerbated by the escalating ferry traffic and Canada’s efforts to increase shipping of goods to Asia through these waters. In response to this pressing issue, two organizations in British Columbia are taking action to assist these marine mammals.
One of these initiatives is the HALLO project, spearheaded by Simon Fraser University, which aims to mitigate ship noise to enable the endangered southern resident killer whales to locate food efficiently. Lauren Laturnus, a biology master’s student at SFU, emphasized the significance of protecting these whales, highlighting their crucial role in the ecosystem.
Utilizing specialized surveying equipment, Laturnus monitors whale activity in the Salish Sea while also keeping tabs on vessel movements from East Point on Saturna Island, situated between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. By analyzing the data gathered, reports are promptly relayed to the Ocean Wise Whale Alert System, providing real-time alerts to commercial mariners for potential course adjustments or speed reductions when whales are spotted.
Moreover, approximately 100 trained volunteer citizen scientists are actively engaged in monitoring whale movements around Saturna, Pender, and Mayne Islands, contributing essential data to the Whale Alert System. This collaborative effort aims to empower individuals to make a meaningful impact by helping to prevent future whale collisions.
The primary objective of HALLO is to establish a conducive environment that allows southern resident killer whales to feed without disruption. Laturnus emphasized the whales’ reliance on sound for navigation and the detrimental effects of vessel noise on their ability to locate food sources.
Southern resident orcas are among Canada’s most critically endangered marine species, with only around 74 individuals, excluding a new calf, remaining in British Columbia’s waters. Their survival is closely linked to the availability of chinook salmon, which is dwindling, particularly in the Salish Sea, a key shipping route in North America.
Efforts to enhance protections for these marine mammals have gained momentum through collaborations such as HALLO’s partnership with the W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians, an Indigenous-led conservation initiative in the Salish Sea. By leveraging traditional knowledge and scientific data, these groups advocate for improved whale conservation measures to ensure the survival of these iconic species and preserve the marine ecosystems they inhabit.
In conclusion, ongoing endeavors by dedicated individuals and organizations underscore the urgency of safeguarding whales in British Columbia’s waters. Through innovative solutions and collective action, there is hope for creating a safer environment where whales can thrive without the looming threat of vessel collisions.
