Characterizing and mapping vessel traffic in North Atlantic right whale areas in Atlantic Canada

Anthropogenic underwater noise is increasing as a result of increasing human activity in the oceans, such as seismic exploration, military and commercial sonars, and marine transportation. Underwater noise is a recognized... [ view full abstract ]

Anthropogenic underwater noise is increasing as a result of increasing human activity in the oceans, such as seismic exploration, military and commercial sonars, and marine transportation. Underwater noise is a recognized threat to marine mammals. Vessel strikes also pose a considerable risk to whales, especially the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Previously, movement patterns of the shipping fleet in North Atlantic right whale critical habitats in Atlantic Canada have been studied to develop conservation initiatives to reduce the threat of vessel strikes. Vessel densities can also serve as a proxy for underwater shipping noise and can be used to quantify the noise of marine traffic based on sound transmission models. Under Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, this study characterizes the shipping fleet in right whale critical habitats and high-use areas in Atlantic Canada, for the purpose of modeling the noise of marine traffic. The areas examined were Grand Manan Basin, Roseway Basin, and the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. Vessel movements and characteristics, such as vessel type and dimensions, were collected from Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and verified using reliable online databases (primarily Sea-web Ships). Using these data, we map vessel traffic and estimate traffic density for all traffic cumulatively and subdivided by prevalent vessel types, such as cargo, tanker, and fishing vessels. This information can inform management decisions and be used to recommend potential mitigation measures to minimize the effects of vessel noise on this endangered species.