More underwater microphones that can detect killer whales are being installed in Haro Strait, across from Vancouver Island.
Ocean Wise announced Monday the underwater microphones, also known as hydrophones, will be integrated off the coast of Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island in Washington. The location for the instalment is to the west of Victoria.
The hydrophones will provide data to the Whale Report Alert System (WRAS), which will then send alerts to nearby large vessels with real-time information on whale presence.
Hydrophones automatically detect whale calls and clicks. WRAS works to protect whale populations from ship disturbances and collisions, notes a press release from Ocean Wise.
The waters surrounding Lime Kiln Lighthouse, off Lime Kiln Point State Park, were picked for the hydrophones as it is a well-frequented location for southern resident killer whales.
The expansion is credited to SMRU Consulting in collaboration with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Canada’s largest port is the Port of Vancouver, which enables the trade of approximately $300 billion in goods with between 140 and 170 countries each year.
Hydrophones were first used for WRAS in April 2024. The alert will notify ships when they are within 10 nautical miles of reported whale locations through text or a desktop map interface.
Only operators of ships, tugs and ferries are able to use WRAS. It is not available to the public.
Ocean Wise states that 12 of the 23 species of cetaceans in B.C. are currently listed as "at risk" under Canada’s Species at Risk Act.
