Canada published a bulletin to describe vessel requirements for the Protection of the Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in the Waters of Southern British Columbia, 2022, which came into force June 01, 2022. The Interim Order applies to all vessels that are navigating in, on or through specific waters in Southern British Columbia, regardless of the method of propulsion.
400 metres approach distance
These prohibitions came into effect on June 1, 2022 and will be implemented until May 31, 2023.
A vessel, or a person operating a vessel, is prohibited from approaching all killer whales within 400 metres of:
- In the Salish Sea south of Campbell River;
- In the waters that have been identified as their critical habitat.
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These restrictions increase the already existing 200 metre minimum approach distance from Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW), currently in place under the Marine Mammal Regulations, to a 400 metre minimum approach distance.
Interim Sanctuary Zones
These prohibitions came into effect on June 1, 2022 and will be in place until November 30, 2022.
A vessel, or a person operating a vessel, is prohibited from navigating in two interim sanctuary zones, which includes waters:
- Off the southwest coast of North Pender Island;
- Off the eastern tip of Saturna Island.
A 20 metre transit corridor alongside the shoreline of the Pender and Saturna Island Interim Sanctuary Zones will be available to human powered navigating through these areas.
Seasonal Slowdown Areas
All vessels (including pleasure crafts) are restricted to a maximum speed of 10.0 knots over ground in two Seasonal Slowdown Areas near Swiftsure Bank. The Seasonal Slowdown Areas are in effect from June 1 2022 until November 30, 2022.
Compliance and enforcement
Operators must comply with the Interim Order made pursuant to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, and any NAVWARNs broadcast and published by the CCG related to the Interim Order, aimed at regulating the navigation for the purposes of protecting the SRKW, if it applies to you.
If they do not comply with the Interim Order or with the instructions in the NAVWARNs related to the Interim Order, they could face:
- Administrative monetary penalties up to a maximum of CAN $250,000; or
- Penal sanctions under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.
Report a killer whale in distress
If operators see an injured, stranded, entangled or dead killer whale, contact this toll-free number or VHF channel:
- BC Marine Mammal Response Network: 1-800-465-4336;
- VHF Channel 16.
EXPLORE MORE AT THE GUIDE FOR WHALES PROTECTION
