Transport Canada has announced funding for several Indigenous communities to address underwater vessel noise impacts on marine mammals.

“With programs like the Quiet Vessel Initiative, we are supporting Indigenous partners and advancing Southern Resident killer whale conservation.”, says Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.

“These efforts help ensure that responsible project development can strengthen Canada’s economy, while also protecting our marine ecosystems.”

In a release, the federal government says it recognizes that underwater vessel noise can have a significant impact on marine mammals, including endangered species such as the Southern Resident killer whale.

Transport Canada’s Quiet Vessel Initiative provides funding to Indigenous communities along the Trans Mountain Expansion Project marine shipping route to support Indigenous-led work toward the goal of vessel quieting in traditional territories.

Seven Indigenous communities will receive funding to build their scientific capacity and expertise to measure and monitor the local impacts of underwater vessel noise.

To learn more, visit Government of Canada.