Slowing Ships to Protect Whale Habitats
BC’s productive coastline sustains populations of whales, porpoises and dolphins, including the endangered southern resident killer whales (SRKW). Whales and ships share the same waters, and many of the ships calling at the Port of Vancouver transit through SRKW critical habitat, as well as areas of importance to the northern resident killer whales, humpback, fin, blue, and sei whales.
As an export terminal operating in the Port of Vancouver, Neptune supports initiatives that quantifiably reduce potential threats to whales. The Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program takes a collaborative approach to addressing and understanding the cumulative effects of vessel activity on whales. Neptune and its shareholder companies – Elk Valley Resources (EVR) and Canpotex – work with companies to adapt shipping speeds and support the recovery of at-risk whales in the region. We have participated in the program since its inception in 2015. Except in rare instances where safety or vessel navigation does not permit a slowdown, ECHO participation is a priority. This year more than 90% of bulk ships sailing from our terminal have participated (source: portvancouver.com)