The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is aiming to reduce ship noise that’s harming endangered killer whales (orcas) by using sound-quieting machines, in an initiative it hopes to expand across the country.

Port researchers have been studying noise reduction for several years and recently showed their underwater noise reduction technology to federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau.

Kate Moran of Oceans Network Canada, which is working with the port on the technology, said they hope to expand the initiative across Canada.

The port authority also announced it would cut harbour dues in half for quieter cargo and cruise vessels travelling through the Burrard Inlet, Fraser River and Roberts Bank terminals.

They are trying to reduce vessel noise because the sounds hinder whales’ ability to hunt, communicate and navigate. It has been speculated that increasing noise could push
endangered southern resident orcas into extinction; currently there are just 78 left.

Some scientists have specifically highlighted the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion project and sevenfold increase in tanker traffic it will bring as a death knell for the whales. But Duncan Wilson with the port authority said it’s a matter of all vessels.

“There are tens of thousands of vessel movements every year in the Straight,” he said. “It’s bigger than any individual project.

“Kinder Morgan, it’s not going to start operation tomorrow and so programs like this, over the next couple of years, we’re going to learn from this research.”

Garneau, who announced an Oceans Protection Plan earlier the same day, said it’s necessary to better understand how noise affects at-risk or endangered marine species.

“We have a lot of research to do to understand the environment,” he said. “But it’s great to see a team is in place. This is very encouraging. I think that we’re beginning to do something that I think is unique in the world.”