Big News from Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Revival: We've Reached Our Hydrophone Fundraising Goal!

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Revival team—thanks to an incredible outpouring of community support and the approval of a major grant, we’ve officially reached our fundraising goal for acoustic monitoring equipment!

This marks a significant milestone for our project, which aims to listen to and protect the marine life of Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound through long-term underwater acoustic monitoring. With funding secured, we can now move forward with purchasing, building, and deploying a specialized hydrophone set up that will allow us to listen to Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound in ways we could not before—tracking the presence of whales, monitoring boat noise, and better understanding the underwater soundscape of this ecologically rich fjord.

Why Acoustic Monitoring Matters

The ocean is alive with sound, much of it invisible to the human eye. From the songs of humpback whales to the steady rumble of commercial vessels, underwater acoustics reveal vital information about marine ecosystems. By capturing this data over time, we can build a clearer picture of how human activity impacts marine life—and make informed decisions about conservation and protection.

But deploying a hydrophone isn’t as simple as dropping an underwater microphone, hydrophone, into the water. Many variables must be considered to ensure successful operation and meaningful data collection, including:

• Power availability: Hydrophones require a steady power supply to remain operational 24/7.

• Internet connectivity: Reliable Wi-Fi or internet access is essential for transmitting acoustic data in real-time or for scheduled uploads.

• Location conditions: Underwater soundscape varies widely depending on factors like proximity to marinas or ferry routes, presence of underwater currents, bathymetry (underwater topography), and local wildlife activity.

• Accessibility: Sites must be reachable for equipment specialists to service or troubleshoot the gear if needed.

By carefully considering these factors, we can ensure the equipment is installed in a way that maximizes its scientific value while minimizing disruptions and maintenance challenges.

We’re Looking for Hydrophone Hosts!

Now that we’re gearing up for deployment, we’re looking for community members with waterfront properties in Howe Sound to host a hydrophone. If you or someone you know meets the requirements, we’d love to hear from you!

You can view the requirements and fill out the interest form here:
Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Revival Hydrophone Host Form
Submissions close August 1st, 2025

• What We’re Looking For:

  • Reliable power supply (e.g., outlet, solar, or battery bank)

  • Access to Wi-Fi or internet (Starlink, DSL, etc.)

  • Willingness to allow equipment maintenance visits

  • Details like shoreline photos, bathymetry, and underwater current conditions

  Every detail you provide helps us choose the best site possible for long-term monitoring and protection efforts.

  What’s Next:

  • Choose Our Hydrophone Host

  • Purchase the Acoustic Equipment

  • Build Our Underwater Mooring

  • Begin Listening Before the Humpbacks Start Singing This Fall!

  Thank you for being part of this incredible community-driven initiative. With your help, we’re turning sound into stewardship!

  Stay tuned for updates—and if you haven’t already, spread the word to others who may want to get involved.