The warning was included in a summary of a draft recovery strategy for the species that was to be introduced in 2010.
Humpback whales were listed in 2005 as "threatened" under the federal Species At Risk Act, requiring the government to produce the recovery plan, but the species has been increasing in numbers and presence on the B.C. coast.
If built, the Northern Gateway pipeline would link the oilsands region of Alberta to a shipping terminal in Kitimat, on the northwest coast of B.C., opening the door for more Canadian oil exports to be sent across the Pacific Ocean to Asia.
The federal Fisheries Department said it did not have any research scientists available to answer questions on Thursday from Postmedia News about the recovery plan for humpback whales, but its internal records, released through access to information legislation, specifically highlighted potential threats from the pipeline project proposed by Alberta-based Enbridge Inc.
"The draft recovery strategy recommends determining appropriate management measures for shipping corridors within humpback whale critical habitat to mitigate underwater noise impacts to foraging and vessel strikes," said a list of "media lines" prepared in April 2010 by a department communications officer, Kirsten Ruecker. "One of the areas identified as critical habitat is located within the routine vessel route for tankers and other marine traffic associated with the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project's proposed marine terminal in Kitimat."
Enbridge says it has consulted more than 200 environmental experts and scientists to analyze potential impacts, and it has incorporated its research into the pipeline project proposal.
"Northern Gateway has looked closely at the situation with regard to humpback whales and we have developed mitigation measures," said Enbridge spokesman Paul Stanway. "Whale monitors would be used to identify the location of whales, and provide information to the tanker captains to adjust their courses as necessary and reduce speed."
Andrew Trites, a zoology professor from the University of British Columbia who specializes in marine mammal research, noted that humpback whale populations are recovering and suggested fin whales, the world's second largest mammal species, face a greater threat from the proposed pipeline project and resulting shipping routes.
"They (humpback whales) seem to be perhaps a bit more ship savvy than some of the other species," said Trites. "They're not being run over. They can swim a bit faster, and for the most part, there's very little conflict with people overall."
He explained that the fin whales are facing a slower recovery and have been found in one of the main shipping corridors, related to the project. But Trites also said that they could move to different habitats.
Other scientists and environmental groups have criticized Enbridge's assessment of the potential risks.
"I did review what they provided and that was probably the most superficial environmental assessment that I've read in my lifetime," said Paul Paquet, a senior scientist with the B.C.-based Raincoast Conservation Foundation. "It was very deficient in terms of marine mammals and marine birds."
Jim Darling, who has done extensive research on the behaviour and ecology of whales in the North Pacific, suggested that the monitors on board ships would still not prevent all risks of collision.
"And supposing this is successful, it just mitigates collisions," said Darling. "There is abundant information that whales do get hit by vessels. How do they plan on mitigating any spill into the system — which would undoubtedly (affect) the food chain the whales count on?"
Original Article
Source: canada.com
Author: Mike De Souza
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