Survey on potential 2024-2025 management measures to support Southern Resident killer whales recovery

Since 2018, the Government of Canada has been implementing measures each year to support the recovery of the Southern Resident killer whale. These measures provide protection to this population in both a subset of its range in southern BC coastal waters and their Critical Habitat, including focusing on protecting key foraging areas around the mouth of the Fraser River, in the southern Gulf Islands, in the Juan de Fuca Strait, and around Swiftsure Bank off the west coast of Vancouver Island. Various measures have been implemented within these areas, such as salmon fishing closures to support increased prey availability, a mandatory avoidance distance and prohibition on impeding the path of killer whales to keep vessels away, Interim Sanctuary Zones (i.e., vessel no-go zones), and mandatory vessel slowdown areas. In addition, voluntary measures are also encouraged for those on the water, such as no fishing and slowing vessels down within a kilometre of killer whales to minimize disturbance and prey competition.

The Government of Canada is seeking feedback on the measures implemented in 2023 and are considering adjustments for certain areas based on new information, lessons learned in previous years, and feedback received. We invite you to fill out the survey below to have your voice heard on the proposed measures for 2024, and for certain measures, also 2025. Please note, the survey is organized by geographic area and provides maps where appropriate to illustrate and further describe the measures under consideration for 2024 and 2025.

Survey questions