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Orla Robinson ECHO Program Manager October 7, 2019

Join Orla Robinson, ECHO Program Manager, to learn how the ECHO Program collaborates to reduce harm to at-risk whales caused by commercial shipping in British Columbia. Discover ongoing research and voluntary actions improving whale habitats and safety.

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Orla Robinson ECHO Program Manager October 7, 2019

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  1. Reducing the effects of shipping on whalesEnhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program Orla Robinson ECHO Program Manager October 7, 2019

  2. Our vision

  3. Commercial shipping activities and whalesContext for the ECHO Program

  4. Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation Program What? A collaboration with marine transportation industries, conservation groups, scientists, Indigenous individuals and Canadian and US governments When? Convened Nov 2014 Why? To better understand and reduce the cumulative effects of commercial vessel activities on at-risk whales throughout the southern coast of British Columbia Key focus? Research projects to inform Voluntary actions to reduce threats Educational materials to raise mariners’ awareness. Photo: Joan Lopez

  5. Program highlights

  6. How does slowing or moving ships affect underwater noise? Ship slowdown and route alteration trials

  7. 2019 voluntary ship slowdown in Haro Strait and Boundary Pass Ship slowdown in Haro Strait and Boundary Pass Trial status: Active until at least Oct 15 Trial start: July 5 82%pilot-reported participation (first 12 weeks) 21 days where southern resident killer whales were confirmed in area

  8. 2019 voluntary route alteration in the Strait of Juan de Fuca Route alteration (lateral displacement) of tugs in the Strait of Juan de Fuca Trial area: Canadian inshore zone in Strait of Juan de Fuca Trial status: Active until October 31 Trial start: June 17 75%participation (first 14 weeks)

  9. How do different areas sound? Underwater noise monitoring in the region 1. Burrard Inlet Three locations with two years of data. Fourth location installed in early 2019. Measured by underwater microphones (hydrophones) Data analyzed to learn about background noise and patterns • Comparison of noise levels • Measure success of voluntary actions • Marine mammal detections 2. Strait of Georgia 3. Boundary Pass 4. Haro Strait

  10. Burrard Inlet underwater noise monitoring projectPilot project: January 2019-January 2020

  11. ECHO program: Formalizing our commitment Species at Risk Act Section 11 Conservation Agreement to support recovery of southern resident killer whales First of its kind in Canada Formalizes role of ECHO Program over five-year term Focuses on existing and new voluntary efforts to reduce acoustic and physical disturbance from large commercial vessels operating in Southern Resident killer whale critical habitat

  12. ECHO program: Looking ahead Evaluation of 2019 voluntary trials to inform next steps Project to understand correlation between underwater noise and ship characteristics Continue to develop real-time notifications to alert commercial ship operators when whales are in the area Photo: Joan Lopez

  13. Thank you for listening! Joan Lopez ECHO@portvancouver.com www.portvancouver.com/echo

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