The Ocean Wise Conservation organization in Vancouver, British Columbia has expanded their underwater microphones, or hydrophones, for the Whale Report Alert System to include the coast off Lime Kiln Point on San Juan Island in Washington State. The area off Lime Kiln Lighthouse is known to be frequented by Southern Resident Killer Whales.
The Ocean Wise Whale Report Alert System (WRAS) operates to protect whale populations from ship disturbances and collisions by alerting nearby commercial mariners to the presence of whales. Hydrophones automatically detect whale calls and clicks. These whale detections are then communicated in real-time to ship mariners via WRAS.
Recreational boaters can send in information regarding the presence of whales to the Ocean Wise Sightings Network via the WhaleReport App. Commercial vessels can then take measures to avoid whales by slowing down or altering course. The WhaleReport App is available for download for Android phones from Google Play and for iOS devices from Apple.
Access to the WRAS is only granted to the operators of ships, tugs, and ferries and is not available for public use, but recreational boaters can play an integral part in helping to protect whales by reporting whale sightings through the WhaleReport App or by email. Reported sightings also contribute to conservation-based research.
Commercial fishing and shipping form the basis of many global economies, and adaptive management can help the recovery of at-risk whale populations. To learn more about the Whale Report Alert System, visit ocean.org/whales.
Photos: Lime Kiln Point – State Parks
Ocean Wise
