Cetaceans are very susceptible to serious injury and mortality from vessel strikes
The waters of British Columbia are host to high densities of both cetaceans and marine traffic1. Vessel strikes are a recognized cause of mortality for cetaceans worldwide, and pose a real risk to many species found in B.C. waters2.
The Problem
Species at Risk
Vessels at Risk
Reducing the Impact
Understanding the distribution of cetaceans helps identify and map high-risk areas for vessel strikes, and a large amount of these valuable data come from sightings reported by coastal residents and mariners. You can help researchers learn more about high density whale areas by reporting your sightings. In 2018, the B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network launched the WhaleReport Alert System. This system uses real-time sightings, reported by observers using the WhaleReport app, to alert large commercial vessels of whales in their vicinity. This awareness better enables vessels to undertake adaptive mitigation measures, such as slowing down or altering course in the presence of cetaceans, to reduce the risk of collision and disturbance.
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Northern resident killer whale A82 showing propeller scars from a vessel collision.
Pacific white-sided dolphin seen in Howe Sound in April 2011 displaying tell-tale injuries inflicted from a boat. This animal has a severed dorsal fin.
What can you do to help?
Vessel traffic, both commercial and recreational, has increased significantly along the British Columbia Coast. This rise in vessl traffic has caused an increase in physical and acoustic disturbance in cetacean habitat.
Follow the Be Whale Wise Guidelines
Report Marine Mammal Harassment and Violations
Watch Whales from Shore
Tools for Commercial Mariners
References
- Erbe C., Reichmuth C.J., Cunningham K., Lucke K. and Dooling R. (2016) Communication masking in marine mammals: A review and research strategy. Marine Pollution Bulletin 103: 15-38.
- Holt, M.M, Noren, D.P., Viers, V., Emmons, C.K., Veirs, S. 2009. Speaking up: Killer whales (Orcinus orca) increase their call amplitude in response to vessel noise. Journal of Acoustic Society of America. 125 (1): EL27-EL32.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2009) Management Plan for the Pacific Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Management Plan Series. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ottawa. v + 49 pp.
- Lachmuth, C., Barrett-Lennard, L.G., Steyn, D.Q., Milsom, W.K. (2011) Estimation of southern resident killer whale exposure to exhaust emissions from whalewatching vessels and potential adverse health effects and toxicity thresholds. Marine Pollution Bulletin 62: 792-805.
- Lusseau, D., Bain, D.E., Williams, R. Smith, J.C. (2009) Vessel traffic disrupts the foraging behaviours of southern resident killer whales, Orcinus orca. Endangered Species Research 6: 211-221.
- Lusseau, D., Bejder, L. (2007) The long-term consequences of short-term responses to disturbance experiences from whalewatching impact assessment. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 20: 228-236.
- Neilson, J. L., Gabriele, C.M. (2010) Results of humpback whale population monitoring in Glacier Bay and adjacent waters: 2010. Report to the National Park Service, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Gustavus, AK. 20 pp.
- Noren, D., Johnson A.H., Rehder D., and Larson A. (2009) Close approaches by vessels elicit surface active behaviors by southern resident killer whales. Endangered Species Research 8:179–192.
- Province of British Columbia (2016). “Marine Emissions”. B.C. Air Quality. Retrieved from: http://www.bcairquality.ca/topics/ marine-emissions.html)
- Thorpe, L., Personal Communication, April 2011 p.c (2011)
- Williams, R., Lusseau, D., Hammond, P. (2006) Estimating relative energetic costs of human disturbance to killer whales (Orcinus orca). Biological Conservation 133(3): 301-311.
- Williams, R., Krkosek, M., Ashe, E. Branch, T.A., Clark, P.S. Hammond, P., Hoyt, E., Noren, D.P., Rosen, D., Winship, A. (2011) Competing conservation objectives for predators and prey: estimating killer whale prey requirements for Chinook salmon PLoS ONE 6: e26738.