Through the Oceans Protection Plan, a dedicated Southern Resident killer whale noise research program, which includes 13 acoustic monitoring stations that are collecting acoustic data 24/7, was established and has generated important scientific data to support Southern Resident killer whale protection measures.
During the next phase of the Oceans Protection Plan, this initiative will monitor and assess the physical and acoustic (noise) effects of the Trans Mountain Expansion project and other major development projects along the coast of British Columbia on the Southern Resident killer whale and other at-risk marine mammals.
The resulting scientific data from this initiative will support Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, and decision makers by helping to inform major project impact assessments, as well as whale protection measures.