Analysing Marine Vessel effects on whales in Boundary Pass in the Salish Sea, British Columbia

Boundary Pass is a busy vessel traffic area of the Salish Sea and is a critical foraging habitat for many cetacean species, specifically Southern Resident killer whales, transient (Bigg’s) and humpback whales. With the shipping lanes passing through this area, whales are at risk of disturbance from underwater noise and, at times, from close vessel proximity. However, DFO has created a seasonal vessel no-go zone (Interim Sanctuary Zone) for whales to reduce acoustic and physical harassment in the region. The first component of this project aims to collect use of visual land-based observation data on occupancy and movement tracks to link these to natural dynamics and anthropogenic sources of disturbance. SRKWs and Humpback whales will be the focus of this work, but all data on whales will be collected. Two hydrophone stations in Boundary Pass will provide acoustic data at key frequency bands known to be important to baleen and toothed whales. We will also monitor the compliance of recreational boats to the no-go zone.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ruth Joy

Student:

Partner:

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Transportation and warehousing

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: