BC Ferries has partnered with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada to reduce the risk of harming marine mammals.
The ferry operator says it is committed to developing an underwater noise management plan aimed at reducing noise from its vessels by half by 2036.
It also plans to reduce the risk of striking marine mammals through an adaptive monitoring and mitigation framework.
The announcement comes after a whale was found dead near the site where BC Ferries reported striking a whale in October
READ MORE: Canadian Pacific Humpback Collaboration identifies dead whale found near Grace Islands
“BC Ferries has a responsibility to connect customers and coastal communities while protecting the marine environment we all value,” said Brian Anderson, interim president and chief executive officer at BC Ferries. “We have taken meaningful steps to reduce the impact of our operations on marine mammals and this agreement builds on that work. By collaborating with Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, we can continue advancing quieter vessels, improved operational practices and measures to further reduce the risk of vessel strikes.”
Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada will provide BC Ferries with expertise and advice on the impacts of underwater noise.
“This is intended to support work toward meaningful underwater-noise reductions in Southern Resident killer whale critical habitat, with the goal of contributing to conservation and recovery efforts while supporting the safe and efficient movement of people and goods,” said Steven MacKinnon, minister of transport.
