Underwater noise is a serious threat to endangered southern resident killer whales, as shipping traffic intensifies through some of the busiest waters off “Vancouver Island.”
Indigenous-led efforts are underway to track vessel noise and protect whale habitat, according to government documents obtained by Canada’s National Observer, as maritime traffic in the area surges following the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline. It’s expected to grow even more with a port expansion south of “Vancouver,” too.
Snuneywuxw First Nation, whose traditional territory includes the “Gulf Islands” and key fishing grounds along major shipping routes between “Nanaimo” and “Vancouver,” is now in its second year of monitoring underwater noise.
“We’re seeing extreme impacts,” said John White, member of the First Nation and its director of land and natural resources. He said vessel traffic, particularly in “Nanaimo’s” harbour and the “Northumberland Channel,” generates underwater noise that has not been previously well-studied.
“[Noise] ranges jump off the charts when we see all these vessels coming through.”
The First Nation’s field teams collect acoustic data in a five-kilometre stretch between “Nanaimo” and “Gabriola Island,” waters regularly crossed by BC Ferries and congested with freighters waiting for a berth in “Vancouver.”
Salamence in biodiversity
With local orcas 'in desperate condition,' Snuneywuxw is monitoring ships' noises
https://indiginews.com/news/snuneywuxw-first-nation-ship-noise-monitoring-for-orcas/cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/6227847