A guide is now available to help mariners avoid collisions and disturbance involving whales and other cetaceans in B.C. coastal waters.
Shipping is considered a leading threat to whales — not just from collisions, but general stress and the impact from engine noise, which can diminish the ability of at-risk killer whales to feed and communicate.
The new guide is produced by the Vancouver Aquarium’s Coastal Ocean Research Institute in partnership with the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert. Northern sightings recorded by Pacific Northwest LNG are also included.
Data collected by the B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network, supplemented by information from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, have been used to create maps showing denser areas for various species of cetaceans and where encounters are likely to occur. The guide also helps vessel crew members identify species, understand the threats posed by their vessels, and how to take action to minimize those threats.
The guide recommends, in part, that mariners keep at least 100 metres from whales, reduce speed, change routes to avoid whales, avoid rapid acceleration, insulate engines, maintain cleans hulls and propellers, and use cleaner-burning fuels.
View the guide at: wildwhales.org/conservation/marinersguide.
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