Leadership in Conservation: Protecting Marine Mammals through Innovative Practices at Woodfibre LNG

From navigation through the water to communication with each other, sound is an essential element to the survival of the underwater marine mammals of Howe Sound. Industrial activities can produce noise that disrupt these natural behaviours, harming these mammals and the ecosystems they live in. At Woodfibre LNG, leadership in conservation means taking proactive, scientifically-informed steps to safeguard marine life and preserve the delicate balance of Howe Sound.

 

Leading the Way in Marine Mammal Protection

Through the implementation of cutting-edge technology, monitoring programs, and cross-functional collaboration, Woodfibre LNG sets a new standard in environmental stewardship, demonstrating that industrial development can align with conservation goals.

Working in close partnership with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), Woodfibre LNG has co-developed the Marine Mammal Monitoring and Mitigation Plan, going beyond compliance with legal obligations and reflecting a deeper commitment to the health of the environment and its marine inhabitants. By using leading technology in reducing sound disturbance to the waters, and monitoring mammal movements, the Plan puts care and respect for marine life at its centre.

Air bubble curtain at Marine Offloading Facility, Howe Sound.

 

Sound Practices: Protecting Peace and Quiet through Innovation

One scientifically-proven solution employed is the use of “bubble curtains,” a sheet of compressed air bubbles that act as a curtain does—absorbing sound waves and reducing underwater noise made by construction activities. These airy curtains are released around construction sites, softening the level of noise and protecting the natural habitats of nearby marine mammals.

In addition, Woodfibre LNG has adopted “vibratory piling” over traditional impact piling methods, which involves driving hammer-like strikes into the seabed, an activity that generates loud noises that can travel long distances underwater. Vibratory piling, by contrast, uses steady, continuous vibrations to drive piles into the seabed with far less noise. By choosing a quieter alternative, Woodfibre LNG demonstrates the importance of adapting not only for efficiency, but also with environmental protection constantly top of mind.

Exemplary Teamwork: Real-time Monitoring and Protection

A key component of marine mammal protection efforts at Woodfibre LNG is the robust hydro-acoustic monitoring programme. In collaboration with the Squamish Nation’s environmental team, hydrophones—specialised underwater microphones designed to detect vibrations—allow the team to assess real-time noise levels. Marine mammal exclusion zones are established around construction areas ranging up to 1,000 metres. A team of 40 trained marine mammal observers, hydrophone experts, and environmental professionals, many of whom are engaged in the project on behalf of Squamish Nation, ensures that timely communication to the on-site team is made to halt work immediately when marine mammals are detected within the exclusion zones.

This collaborative, network approach is central to Woodfibre LNG’s dedication to finding best available methods and the most qualified personnel in minimising environmental harm and paying respect to the marine ecosystem.

Howe Sound.

 

Acknowledging the cultural and ecological significance of conservation at Howe Sound, the protection of marine mammals has been a priority for Woodfibre LNG from the outset. With technology-backed measures and an expert team, Woodfibre LNG shows how industrial projects can responsibly coexist with sensitive ecosystems, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to sustainable development and upholding what is important to the Squamish Nation and other Indigenous Peoples.

From incorporating technologies like bubble curtains to a comprehensive monitoring programme, Woodfire LNG ensures that Howe Sound’s natural songs and rhythms continue undisturbed for generations to come.