Camera system tested on Galiano Island could be used to alert ferries of passing whales

— from CTV News Vancouver —

Cameras installed at a BC Ferries terminal will help monitor passing whales around-the-clock.

The thermal imaging cameras at the Sturdies Bay terminal on Galiano Island allow scientists to detect whales in the Salish Sea.

BC Ferries said the intent of the year-long pilot project is to determine whether thermal imaging, when used with other types of detection, is a reliable and effective way to keep track of the giant mammals.

Funding mostly by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the cameras were put in place in June and use temperature data to determine if what’s being detected is a ship, smaller marine mammal, whale or simply the water.

They’ve also been installed near the international shipping lane in Boundary Pass.

In a statement, BC Ferries CEO Mark Collins said the company has a responsibility to understand how its activities affect wildlife, including the endangered southern resident killer whales.

“Our deck crews are always on the lookout for marine mammals, and we voluntarily report sightings to the B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network to help researchers gather information. We believe it is important to support research projects such as this one, as the marine community in general will benefit from these findings,” Collins said.

If the Galiano project is successful, the setup could be used to let ships know when orcas and humpbacks are in their path. Data could also be used to identify high-risk areas so boaters can make real-time decisions to slow down or avoid the area, BC Ferries said.

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