Whale Safe Radio Network

West Coast Wildlife Presents

Whale Safe Radio Network (WSRN)

Objective:

The Whale Safe Radio Network (WSRN) aims to use passionate volunteers to prevent boat-whale collisions by establishing a coastal network of observers equipped with radios. These volunteers will monitor marine traffic and alert boats entering a legally protected 400-meter whale zone. The program promotes safer boating practices and collects data on whale populations to support ongoing conservation efforts.

Program Overview:

Volunteers stationed along the coastline will monitor boat speeds and proximity to whales. If vessels are detected within 400 meters of a whale and traveling at speed, the volunteers will broadcast warnings via radio on designated channels. Volunteers will also document these interactions with photos, videos, and GPS data, contributing to whale conservation research.

Key Components:

1. Volunteer Recruitment:

Volunteers will be strategically stationed every 2-3 kilometers in key whale zones. Recruitment will focus on local communities, particularly those with a strong interest in marine conservation, such as fishermen, whale watchers, and coastal residents.

2. Volunteer Onboarding and Education:

All volunteers will complete an education program that covers marine wildlife identification, protection laws, obtains their marine radio communication license, and teaches the specific roles, limitations, responsibilities, and conditions of WSRN base station volunteers. 

Volunteers must pass a small online onboarding test before receiving certification to participate in the Program. Once certified, volunteers will be provided with radios and other necessary equipment.

3. Equipment:

Each volunteer will receive a radio capable of broadcasting on Channel 16 or another designated safety channel. Volunteers will use a camera or smartphone for documenting interactions, as well as written documentation with an emphasis on capturing photos and videos of boats in the whale protection zone. GPS-enabled devices will be used to provide accurate data on whale locations.

4. Procedures for Volunteers:

Volunteers will monitor whale traffic and watch for boats speeding within the 400-meter whale zone. When a vessel is identified within the zone, volunteers will broadcast a standard emergency message:

“ATTENTION ATTENTION Attention, vessel at [coordinates], You are being observed by WSRN as entering a whale protection zone too fast and are required to reduce speed immediately to ___. This is a legal requirement to avoid whale strikes and law infraction.”

Volunteers could also document non-compliant boats and report them to the appropriate authorities.

5. Collaboration with Marine Authorities:

WSRN will work closely with local Coast Guard and marine authorities to ensure the program adheres to legal guidelines. Volunteers will have clear instructions on when and how to involve the Coast Guard for enforcement, especially in cases of repeat violations.

6. Data Sharing and Research Collaboration:

Data collected by volunteers (photos, videos, and GPS coordinates) will be shared with strict protocols only to research institutions like VanAqua and other marine stations interested in whale population studies and migration patterns. This data will provide valuable insights into whale behavior and contribute to conservation efforts.

7. Public Awareness Campaign:

The program will also focus on raising awareness among boaters about whale protection laws and the importance of reducing speed in whale zones. Educational materials will be distributed in marinas and popular boating areas to remind boaters of their responsibility to protect marine wildlife. 

Benefits of the Program:

Directly reduces the risk of boat-whale collisions by providing real-time eyes on warnings. Increases compliance with marine wildlife protection laws. Collects data valuable for whale conservation and research efforts. Empowers local communities to actively participate in marine wildlife protection. Enhances public awareness and understanding of the importance of whale protection.

Program Timeline:

Phase 1: Initial volunteer recruitment, training, and setup of key monitoring locations (3-6 months).

Phase 2: Pilot the program with volunteers actively monitoring and broadcasting warnings (6-12 months).

Phase 3: Review the program’s effectiveness, gather feedback, and expand coverage along the coastline as needed (12-18 months).

Conclusion:

The Whale Safe Radio Network (WSRN) provides a proactive, community-driven approach to reducing boat-whale collisions in both the commercial and recreational sectors using an eyes on approach and promoting safer marine navigation. 

By combining technology, local volunteers, and collaboration with authorities, this program offers an effective solution to protect endangered whale populations and improve compliance with marine wildlife protection laws.

Produced by Gerald Shaffer, west coast wildlife, Shaffer Foods, Alex Ceramics, BC Crate & Block. All partners in Zero waste

Roberts Creek BC

gerald@shafferfoods.com