The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau announced funding of up to $2.5M over three years for 29 eligible Indigenous communities along the Trans Mountain shipping route to participate in the Quiet Vessel Initiative. The Quiet Vessel Initiative addresses the impacts of underwater vessel noise on Canada’s marine environment and vulnerable marine mammals, including Southern Resident Killer Whales.
Through their participation, Indigenous groups are expected to help evaluate the most promising technologies, vessel designs, retrofits and operational practices to reduce underwater vessel noise. Indigenous participation will also increase local capacity and technical training in these areas. Eligible Indigenous groups have until November 25, 2020, to apply for funding to participate.