Increased lng tanker traffic in Douglas Channel is threatening humpback and fin whales in British Columbia's Kitimat fjord system, reports British Columbia's Victoria Times Colonist.
The Gitga'at Nation and marine researchers warn that shipping routes to LNG Canada's terminal overlap with critical whale habitat. The region hosts the highest density of humpback and fin whales on the coast, along with resident and transient killer whales.
LNG tankers began operating in June, with vessel traffic expected to rise from 50 to 170 ships annually by 2027. Once phase two of LNG Canada and Cedar LNG are complete, one to two tankers will transit daily through whale hotspots.
BC Whales researcher Grace Baer said whales feed, rest and socialise in the same areas tankers now traverse. Underwater noise from tankers creates an 'acoustic fog,' disrupting whale communication, navigation and feeding for up to 40 minutes per transit.
Humpbacks and fin whales are especially vulnerable to ship strikes due to their surface behaviour and low visibility. The Gitga'at Nation, BC Whales and WWF Canada are collaborating on a real-time acoustic monitoring system to reduce collision risks.
Research suggests LNG shipping could cause the death of two fin whales and 18 humpbacks annually over the 40-year lifespan of the project. Transport Canada and LNG Canada have implemented voluntary slow-downs to 10 knots in seasonal whale zones.
LNG Canada has extended speed limits year-round in high whale activity areas and issued whale awareness guides for crews. Coastal pilots are also tasked with monitoring for whale presence to prevent incidents.
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The Gitga'at Nation and marine researchers warn that shipping routes to LNG Canada's terminal overlap with critical whale habitat. The region hosts the highest density of humpback and fin whales on the coast, along with resident and transient killer whales.
LNG tankers began operating in June, with vessel traffic expected to rise from 50 to 170 ships annually by 2027. Once phase two of LNG Canada and Cedar LNG are complete, one to two tankers will transit daily through whale hotspots.
BC Whales researcher Grace Baer said whales feed, rest and socialise in the same areas tankers now traverse. Underwater noise from tankers creates an 'acoustic fog,' disrupting whale communication, navigation and feeding for up to 40 minutes per transit.
Humpbacks and fin whales are especially vulnerable to ship strikes due to their surface behaviour and low visibility. The Gitga'at Nation, BC Whales and WWF Canada are collaborating on a real-time acoustic monitoring system to reduce collision risks.
Research suggests LNG shipping could cause the death of two fin whales and 18 humpbacks annually over the 40-year lifespan of the project. Transport Canada and LNG Canada have implemented voluntary slow-downs to 10 knots in seasonal whale zones.
LNG Canada has extended speed limits year-round in high whale activity areas and issued whale awareness guides for crews. Coastal pilots are also tasked with monitoring for whale presence to prevent incidents.
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