Traffic Separation Scheme Feasibility Study

• Main Author: German, Sara
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Western CEDAR 2022
• Subjects: Canada; Killer Whale; Killer whale
• Online Access: https://cedar.wwu.edu/ssec/2022ssec/allsessions/67; https://cedar.wwu.edu/context/ssec/article/3229/viewcontent/SSEC_20TSS_20Presentation_202022_S_20German.pdf

Southern Resident Killer Whales are endangered and face three key threats to their survival: prey availability, physical and acoustic disturbance, and contaminants. In an effort to mitigate the threat of physical and acoustic disturbance, Transport Canada has worked with an external contractor over the last two years to assess the feasibility of making changes to the Traffic Separation Scheme, as a potential way to reduce physical and acoustic disturbance from vessels in southern BC coastal waters. The goal of the project was to assess and recommend options to amend the TSS that balance the protection of the Southern Resident killer whale population with other factors, including marine safety and use, environmental, socio-economic, and cultural. The study included several rounds of engagement with stakeholders and partners. Based on input from engagement, a number of potential options were developed. These options were analyzed by using both modeling and decision support tools, considering safety and other factors, along with beneficial impact to the SRKW. A final report is expected in the coming months and findings can be shared in this presentation. This study is part of a larger strategy to reduce physical and acoustic disturbance from vessels and work towards protection and recovery of Southern Resident Killer Whales, creating a quieter future for whales in the Salish Sea.