The area that boats will be prevented from approaching Southern Resident killer whales will soon more than double, after protective measures by the Canadian government come into effect.
Currently, boats have to keep 400 metres away from Southern Resident killer whales. Starting on June 1, that buffer zone will increase to 1,000 metres.
Other orcas will maintain their protection zone of 200 metres.
Additionally, there will be two mandatory 10-knot speed restriction zones at Swiftsure Bank from June 1 to Nov. 30, 2026, and two mandatory vessel restricted zones off Pender and Saturna Islands, effective for the same time period.
Additionally, there will be a voluntary speed reduction zone at Tumbo Channel, north of Saturna Island, from June 1 to Nov. 30, 2026.
“Protecting Southern Resident killer whales means taking decisive action to reduce the pressures they face in our shared waters,” Joanne Thompson, the federal minister of fisheries, said in a news release Thursday.
“By strengthening measures to safeguard them, we are increasing protection and supporting the long-term recovery of this iconic species.”
The federal government is introducing these measures to help protect the endangered species.
“Southern Resident killer whales continue to face real pressures in our waters, and it’s important that we take practical steps to address them,” Steven Mackinnon, the federal minister of transport, said in a news release.
“The measures announced today provide clear direction and reinforce a consistent, responsible approach on the water. They will help support the long-term recovery of this species while maintaining a balanced approach that also supports Canada’s economic growth.”
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority-led Enhancing Cetacean and Habitat Observation (ECHO) Program will continue to coordinate threat reduction measures for commercial vessels coming to and from the port.
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