Getting a taste of what marine mammals deal with everyday
For Southern Residents, hearing each other can be a matter of survival.
Imagine you’re standing across busy lanes of traffic, and your loved one is on the other side. You’re trying to get their attention, warn them of danger, or ask for help. The noise of passing cars completely drowns you out.
The background noise in this video for some is distracting, but imagine it was life threatening.
British Columbia’s coastal waters support an exceptional diversity of marine life while also hosting some of the busiest marine transportation corridors in the world. The convergence of international shipping, ferry traffic, industrial development, military activity, and intense seasonal recreational use has made underwater noise a defining feature of many BC marine environments.
They can’t handle more. The Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) represent one of the most studied and concerning cases of underwater noise impacts on marine life. With only 76 individuals remaining as of 2026 (Centre for Whale Research), these endangered whales face imminent threats to their survival, and underwater vessel noise has been identified as one of the primary factors contributing to their decline, along with prey availability and contaminants.
Coastal prosperity, ecosystems, economic and cultural security are all at risk. Give your feedback by September 18, 2026.
