As part of its objective to better understand and manage the impact of shipping activities on at-risk whales throughout the southern coast of British Columbia, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s initiative, the Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program launched a trial in which ship operators voluntarily reduced vessel speed. This allowed researchers to study the relationship between commercial vessel speed, underwater noise, and its effect on the southern resident killer whale.
AT-RISK WHALES IN OUR REGION
Located in a naturally beautiful setting on Canada’s southwest coast, the Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest port, providing more than 170 economies around the world with trade links, making it a gateway port for domestic and international trade and a major force in the Canadian economy.
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is responsible for the stewardship of the federal port lands and waters in and around Vancouver in British Columbia. It is federally mandated to facilitate Canada’s trade objectives, all while protecting the environment and local communities.
