From noise underwater
Buoys to protect whales off Chile’s coast
A system of buoys is intended to protect whales off the Chilean coast from underwater noise and collisions with ships. The first buoy was launched on Thursday (local time) in the Gulf of Corcovado, according to the Meri Foundation.
A system of buoys is intended to protect whales off the Chilean coast from underwater noise and collisions with ships. The first buoy was launched on Thursday (local time) in the Gulf of Corcovado, according to the Meri Foundation. (archive image)
In the coming months, five more buoys will be placed in the waterway between the mainland and the island of Chiloé. Nine different whale species live there, including the largest blue whale population in the southern hemisphere.
“Whales are true ecosystem engineers, key species in the well-being of the oceans and in the fight against climate change. That is why the installation of this buoy is very good news. This early warning system will help us avoid collisions between ships and whales,” said Chilean Environment Minister Maisa Rojas.
The buoys are equipped with acoustic sensors and locate the whales in the area. If they register marine mammals, they send a real-time signal to the Chilean Navy, which in turn warns nearby ships. The captains should then slow down or change the direction of travel.
The increasing noise from ship engines, military sonar or underwater construction work puts whales at risk. Since the marine mammals use sounds to orient themselves, search for food and communicate with their fellow species, they can become disoriented when exposed to high levels of noise.
(SDA)