The Port of Vancouver has reported strong participation rates in the ECHO Program’s voluntary underwater noise reduction initiatives to support the recovery of southern resident killer whales. Thanks to the continued support of our many advisors, partners, and more than 80 marine transportation organizations, participation in all three of our initiatives is at or above 80%––and as high as 94% in the Haro Strait and Boundary Pass slowdown. Over the last two weeks marine mammal observers have consistently sighted southern resident killer whales throughout Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Thankfully, at this time, no southern resident killer whales have been reported near the site of the sunken fishing boat, which spilled fuel near San Juan Island on August 13, 2022. Photo credit: Olivia Murphy.
