The Government of Canada recognizes that marine species are impacted by underwater vessel noise. Acoustic disturbances can affect their ability to find prey, navigate effectively, and communicate with each other, while also creating stress. Through the Whales Initiative and the Quiet Vessel Initiative, the Government is taking action to mitigate the effects of anthropogenic underwater noise, protect the marine environment and foster the development of new technologies, quiet vessel designs, and operational practices that reduce underwater noise.