Close X
Friday, November 29, 2024
ADVT 
National

Hydrophones In B.C. River To Monitor Ship Noise In Effort To Help Whales

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Sep, 2015 01:17 PM
  • Hydrophones In B.C. River To Monitor Ship Noise In Effort To Help Whales
VANCOUVER — New hydrophones installed in 170 metres of water just off the mouth of British Columbia's Fraser River are expected to help researchers understand how shipping noise affects at-risk whales, says a project spokesman.
 
The installation Monday was part of a program run by Port Metro Vancouver, the University of Victoria's Ocean Networks Canada and the hydrophone's manufacturer, JASCO Applied Sciences.
 
Scott McLean, director of Ocean Networks Canada's innovations centre, said the hydrophones are next to shipping lanes and will monitor southern resident killer whales, listed as "at risk" by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
 
"The array was specifically placed in the southern resident killer whale critical habitat," he said Tuesday. "That'll be the primary focus of the study, and we'll be listening for vessel traffic, both the large commercial vessels and the smaller recreational vehicles, and try to understand how that impacts the mammals' ability to speak."
 
McLean said the hydrophones will capture any underwater sound: landslides, marine mammals, big boats, small boats, storms and rain.
 
The data collected will also help advance Canadian ocean technology, he said, noting it's the perfect example of how researchers can help companies develop new technology.
 
The port said in a news release that the data will help researchers test methods of mitigating noise, like cleaning the hull of ships.
 
Underwater noise has been identified as a threat to orcas that make their home in the waters between Vancouver Island and the mainland.
 
McLean said the new Salish Sea listening station, valued at about $1 million, has two sets of four hydrophones, allowing researchers to determine the direction of sound.
 
The hydrophones are connected to the ocean networks VENUS ocean observatory, which is one of three it operates in British Columbia and the Arctic. A much longer observatory, called NEPTUNE, exists off the west coast of Vancouver Island, as does a station in Cambridge Bay, in the Canadian Arctic.
 
Duncan Wilson, the port's vice-president of corporate social responsibility, said his organization is mandated by the Canada Marine Act to sustainably accommodate the country's trade demands.
 
"We are working together with scientists, shipping industries, conservation and environmental groups, First Nations individuals and government agencies to take proactive action to improve conditions for whales," he said in a statement.
 
McLean said Port Metro Vancouver's participation is slated to last one year, and researchers hope it won't need maintenance for another two years.

MORE National ARTICLES

Drilling Company PHX Energy Services Cuts Half Of Workforce, 500 Jobs Lost

Drilling Company PHX Energy Services Cuts Half Of Workforce, 500 Jobs Lost
Calgary-based drilling company PHX Energy Services Corp. has laid off nearly 50 per cent of its workforce, putting more than 500 people out of work.

Drilling Company PHX Energy Services Cuts Half Of Workforce, 500 Jobs Lost

People Trying To Ride Beluga Whale In Newfoundland: Fisheries Department

People Trying To Ride Beluga Whale In Newfoundland: Fisheries Department
The federal Fisheries Department is investigating reports that people in eastern Newfoundland have been trying to lasso and ride a beluga whale that has been frequenting the area around Grates Cove.

People Trying To Ride Beluga Whale In Newfoundland: Fisheries Department

Ontario, Quebec Premiers Critical Of Senate Plans Floated By Federal Leaders

Ontario, Quebec Premiers Critical Of Senate Plans Floated By Federal Leaders
Ontario's Kathleen Wynne said NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair's proposal to abolish the Senate is not realistic and can't be done without provincial support.

Ontario, Quebec Premiers Critical Of Senate Plans Floated By Federal Leaders

Household Debt Ratio Grew In Second Quarter As Debt Increased Faster Than Income

On a per capita basis, household net worth increased to $243,800.

Household Debt Ratio Grew In Second Quarter As Debt Increased Faster Than Income

Third Suspect Arrested And Charged In Death Of 42-Year-Old Man At Vernon's Polson Park

Third Suspect Arrested And Charged In Death Of 42-Year-Old Man At Vernon's Polson Park
Mounties say a third person is facing a second-degree murder charge after a body was discovered in a park in Vernon, B.C.

Third Suspect Arrested And Charged In Death Of 42-Year-Old Man At Vernon's Polson Park

University Of Toronto Ramps Up Security After Online Threats Against Women

The university's provost issued a warning to students, faculty and staff Thursday, citing threats made on a blog, but did not describe the nature of the threats.

University Of Toronto Ramps Up Security After Online Threats Against Women