The Bay of Fundy is a 170 mile long ocean bay located on the east coast of Canada between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Each day 100 billion tons of seawater flows in and out of the bay creating the highest tides in the world. This constant natural surge brings with it a rich abundance of phytoplankton and other sea life making this area a natural habitat for a variety of rare and important species. One of these species is the intelligent and graceful right whale, who for millennia have been returning to and navigating these waters using their innate sense to find food and mate.

In addition to being a priceless natural resource, the bay is also a lifeline of commerce to the many people and businesses residing on its shores. With several active trade ports and working harbours along the coastlines, an average of 800 ships a year use the government-established shipping lanes to safely transport people and cargo including bulk carriers, tugs, cruise ships, ferry services, container ships and government vessels.

Research showed that the shipping lanes in the bay ran through an area where North Atlantic Right Whales feed during the summer and fall months. To address this situation senior Irving representatives participated with whale scientists, government agencies, fishermen, environmental groups and others to learn more, build awareness and find a safe solution to the problem.

3. What was the result?

In April 2002, Irving's cooperative efforts resulted in the Canadian government proposing a change in the traffic separation scheme (TSS) for the Bay of Fundy to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The IMO adopted this amendment in December of 2002 and on Canada Day (July 1st 2003) Transport Canada implemented a four nautical mile shipping lane change that avoids the area where North Atlantic Right Whale densities are the greatest. This was the first time shipping lanes were altered to protect an endangered species.

4. Did moving the shipping lanes make a difference?

Yes! According to experts at the New England Aquarium, moving the shipping lanes reduced the relative probability of a ship strike by 90%. In other words, prior to the lane change about 30% of North Atlantic Right Whale sightings were in the shipping lanes; after the lane change, less than 2% of the right whales are seen in the lanes.

To learn more about North Atlantic Right Whales:

Visit the New England Aquarium at www.neaq.org or the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium at www.rightwhaleweb.org.