For 2026, the Canadian government is implementing strengthened measures to protect endangered Southern Resident killer whales, effective June 1. Key measures include a mandatory 1,000-metre approach distance, vessel restricted zones (closures) in key foraging areas and 10-knot speed restrictions to reduce physical and acoustic disturbance.
Strait of Juan de Fuca
- Pink area, June 1 to October 31: The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program Strait of Juan de Fuca voluntary route alteration for tugs. Inshore vessels (tugs) move further away from shore into the route alteration zone.
- Southern Resident killer whale prey measures are under consideration for 2026 and will be communicated by Fishery Notice.
Swiftsure Bank
- Orange areas, June 1 to November 30: Speed Restricted Zones – Vessel speed limited to no more than 10 knots (with exceptions).
- Yellow area, June 1 to October 31: The ECHO Program Swiftsure Bank voluntary ship slowdown for large commercial vessels: 11 knots or less through the water for bulkers, tankers and government vessels or 14.5 knots or less through the water for container vessels, vehicle carriers, cruise ships.
- Southern Resident killer whale prey measures are under consideration for 2026 and will be communicated by Fishery Notice.
Gulf Islands
- Red areas, June 1 to November 30: Vessel Restricted Zones – No fishing or boating (with exceptions).
- Purple areas, June 1 to November 30: Voluntary Speed Reduction Zone – Reduce speed to 10 knots or less in Tumbo Channel when safe to do so.
- Yellow areas, March 1 – 31, depending on whale presence, and June 1 to November 30, depending on whale presence: The ECHO Program Haro Strait and Boundary Pass voluntary shipslowdown for large commercial vessels: 11 knots or less through the water for bulkers, tankers and general cargo or 14.5 knots through the water for container vessels, vehicle carriers and cruise ships
- Southern Resident killer whale prey measures are under consideration for 2026 and will be communicated by Fishery Notice.
Mouth of the Fraser River
- Southern Resident killer whale prey measures are under consideration for 2026 and will be communicated by Fishery Notice.
All Southern BC Waters
- Grey hatched area, in effect June 1, 2026 until May 31, 2027: Transport Canada is introducing an enhanced approach distance for Southern Resident killer whales. Stay 1000 metres away (with some exceptions) from Southern Resident killer whales in all southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. All other killer whale populations are subject to the 200 metre approach distance as required under the Marine Mammal Regulations. Where killer whale populations cannot be reliably distinguished, vessels are encouraged to remain 1000 metres away to ensure compliance.
Canadian Pacific waters (year-round)
- Stay 1,000m away from Southern Resident killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet
- Stay 200m away from all other killer whales in Pacific Canadian waters
- Stay 200m away from all whales, dolphins and porpoises when in resting position or with a calf.
- Stay 100m away from all other whales, dolphins and porpoises.
- Voluntary measures:
- Voluntary fishing avoidance zone: Stop fishing (do not haul gear) within 1000m of killer whales
- Reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 1000m of the nearest killer whale
- When safe to do so, turn off echo sounders and fish finders when not in use
- If you are too close to a whale (i.e. if your vessel is not in compliance with the approach distance regulations), place engine in neutral idle and allow animals to pass