To protect orcas, group launches from Everett to gauge noise pollution
EVERETT — Noise pollution from large commercial vessels is a significant threat to southern resident orcas who reside in Puget Sound throughout the winter.
But according to Rachel Aronson, program director for Quiet Sound, crew members cut their noise pollution by almost half when they reduce ship speed by 30% to 50%.
A device dropped into Useless Bay off Whidbey Island this week will collect data over the next three months as ships pass by, providing insight on how reducing speed can help local orcas.
Aronson and a team of scientists from SMRU Consulting launched from the Port of Everett on Monday morning for a hydrophone deployment mission, which took about six hours. The team assembled the device on the boat before heading to the drop site, using equipment to lift the 1,000-pound system off the deck and release it in the water.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/to-protect-orcas-group-launches-from-everett-to-gauge-noise-pollution/