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Navigating the Noise: The Intersection of Canadian Ferry Routes and Critical Marine Habitats
Canadian ferries traverse critical habitats, contributing to underwater noise that threatens the survival of endangered species.
Canadian ferries traverse critical habitats, contributing to underwater noise that threatens the survival of endangered species.
With more than 27,000 km of coastline that extends from Alaska to Washington State, Canada’s Pacific region is home to a rich and vibrant marine ecosystem. Thousands of sea creatures inhabit these waters, from microscopic species to large, fascinating mammals. Among them are the highly intelligent and iconic orcas, also known as killer whales.
The North Atlantic right whale, which lives and hunts in Canadian waters, is one of the most endangered species of large whales in the world.
There are three regions in Canada that are considered critical habitat for whales that overlap major shipping hubs in Canada. This includes the Pacific Coast and the Salish Sea as well as the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Bay of Fundy.