News

A new effort to reduce underwater noise and protect whales in the Pacific Northwest is already a resounding success.

The “Quiet Sound” project initiated a “trial slowdown” of commercial ship traffic in north Puget Sound—an impressive 61% of vessels have voluntarily participated. Sustainable maritime trade group Washington Maritime Blue partnered up with the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma to push the pilot program.

The organizers hope to increase the participation rate through business outreach. Additionally, Quiet Sound can be expanded through an improved “Whale Report Alert System” and installation of more hydrophones.

“We’ve laid out that quiet welcome mat for whales and they've been taking full advantage of it this year,” said Quiet Sound Program Director Rachel Aronson, as reported by local NBC outlet King 5.

In a welcome sign, Southern Resident orca whales are currently swimming through Puget Sound—with a little less unwanted noise.