A New Initiative to Protect Whales

MONTREAL, July 15, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Shipping Federation of Canada and le Réseau d'observation de mammifères marins (ROMM) today launched a new environmental tool entitled "A Mariners Guide to Whales in the Northwest Atlantic."

"The guide provides mariners with information on the various types of whales they may encounter while sailing in the Northwest Atlantic, and identifies areas in which they should be particularly vigilant," explained Caroline Gravel, the Federation's Director of Environmental Affairs.

The guide, which is the first of its kind in Canada, sensitizes mariners to the risk of collisions between ships and whales. It also provides descriptions of the 13 species of whales found in the Northwest Atlantic, as well as maps showing their distribution throughout the area. "These maps are good indicators of areas with high whale densities," noted Véronique Nolet, Assistant Director of ROMM, "but since whales don't recognize borders in their movements, constant vigilance is a must."

A hard copy of the guide (in English only) can be obtained by contacting either organization. The guide can also be found online (in both French and English) at www.romm.ca and www.shipfed.ca.

Thank-you to the Government of Canada's Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, which provided major financial support for this project.

SOURCE: SHIPPING FEDERATION OF CANADA

Véronique Nolet
Assistant Director
Réseau d'observation de mammifères marins
Tel. : [phone]

Caroline Gravel
Director, Environmental Affairs
Shipping Federation of Canada
Tel. : [phone]