Ecojustice is suing the federal government to stop an American research vessel from conducting seismic blasting in a Canadian waters. The area in question? The Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents, Canada's first officially designated marine protected area and a known habitat of endangered blue whales and fin whales.

“A marine protected area is a marine protected area because its supposed to be off limits to harmful activity. And its just completely inappropriate that intrusive or harmful research would happen there,” said Ecojustice lawyer, Lara Tessaro.

According to Ecojustice, the seismic blasts at 180 decibels every 2 or 3 minutes would cause intense acoustic disturbance for the marine animals in the area, most specifically the blue whales in the area.

Ecojustice is scheduled for to be in court on the issue tomorrow. See the media release for more.