2026 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales

Southern Resident killer whales have important cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities in British Columbia. This population was listed as Endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2003. The Government of Canada conducted imminent threat assessments in 2018 and 2024 and found that these iconic animals face imminent threats to their survival and recovery. Protecting them requires comprehensive and immediate action.

The three primary threats to Southern Resident killer whales are:

• reduced prey availability and accessibility
• acoustic and physical disturbance
• contaminants

Canada has laws and regulations in place to address these threats and support the survival and recovery of this population, and there are voluntary measures that you can take as well. Effectively ensuring the survival and recovery of Southern Resident killer whales requires a long-term, collective effort. These measures reflect current science and advice from First Nations, stakeholders, the Indigenous Multi-Nation Group, Indigenous and Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group, Technical Working Groups, and from public consultations.

Regulations to support Southern Resident killer whales

You must follow Canada’s laws and regulations to protect Southern Resident killer whales.

Maps show an overview of measures by geographic area. Further details explaining the measures follow.

Area-based fishing closures

Southern Resident killer whale prey measures are under consideration for 2026 to support prey availability and accessibility in key foraging areas. Fishery measures will be communicated by Fishery Notice ahead of the implementation date.

In all Canadian Pacific waters, fishers are also asked to voluntarily stop fishing (do not haul gear) within 1,000 metres (m) of killer whales as a best practice to reduce risk of depredation and to minimize disturbing the animals.

Vessel Restricted Zones

Vessel Restricted Zones, formerly Interim Sanctuary Zones, are in effect from June 1 to November 30 in important areas for Southern Resident killer whales to further reduce acoustic and physical disturbance from vessels.

Vessel traffic (including fishing) will be prohibited in Vessel Restricted Zones off North Pender and Saturna Islands, as per the Interim Order enacted under the Canada Shipping Act. Some exceptions will apply, including emergency situations, vessels engaged in Indigenous food, social and ceremonial fisheries, or Indigenous Peoples exercising existing rights.

There is also a voluntary Speed Reduction Zone in Tumbo Channel from June 1 to November 30, on the north side of Saturna Island. Vessels should reduce speed to no more than 10 knots in this area, when safe to do so.

Speed Restricted Zones

From June 1 until November 30, all vessels are required to slow down to a maximum of 10 knots around Swiftsure Bank:

• in a portion of Subarea 121-1
• in portions of Subareas 121-1, 121-2 and 21-0: near the mouth of the Nitinat River from Carmanah Point to Longitude 125 degrees west

Some limited exceptions may apply. This measure is mandatory and separate from the voluntary slowdowns for large commercial vessels coordinated by the ECHO Program.

Avoiding whales

Enhanced approach distance for Southern Resident killer whales. Vessels must stay 1,000 m away from Southern Resident killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2027, as per the Interim Order enacted under the Canada Shipping Act.

The Marine Mammal Regulations remain in effect year-round. This requires staying:

• 200m away from all other killer whales in Pacific Canadian waters
• 200 m away from all whales, porpoises and dolphins when in resting position or with a calf
• 100 m away from other whales, porpoises and dolphins

As part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to the protection and recovery of Southern Resident killer whales, Canada proposes to amend the approach distance for Southern Resident killer whales to 1,000 m under the Marine Mammal Regulations. These proposed amendments are based off the best available scientific advice and extensive consultation with First Nations, industry members and stakeholders, and reflect the views published in the 2025 What We Heard Report. Canadians are invited to review and provide comments on the proposed amendments through the Canada Gazette, Part I public comment process. Feedback received during this period will help inform the regulatory amendments before they are published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. Please provide your feedback at the following link.

Be Whale Wise

As well as following Canada’s laws and regulations, there are also voluntary measures that you can take to support the survival of Southern Resident killer whales anytime you’re on or near the water.

• Stop fishing (do not haul gear) within 1,000 m of killer whales
• Reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 1,000 m of the nearest killer whale
• When safe to do so, turn off echo sounders and fish finders
• If you are too close to a whale, place engine in neutral idle and allow animals to pass.
• For more information on the best ways to help whales while on the water, on both sides of the border, please visit: bewhalewise.org

Contaminants

The Government of Canada is addressing the threat of contaminants by strengthening regulations and enforcing them, developing guidelines, engaging with stakeholders and increasing research and monitoring. We are now better able to understand the source and quantity of contaminants affecting Southern Resident killer whales and their prey, and to focus our prevention efforts in consequence.

We continue to implement the Chemicals Management Plan, which includes the monitoring of and creation of controls for toxic substances. The final Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act were published on December 31st, 2025. Various substances that pose a threat to Southern Resident Killer Whales are now subject to additional restrictions.

Information is available on the Reducing the threat of contaminants to Southern Resident Killer Whales, the Environment and Climate Change Canada Data Catalogue, the Open Government Portal and the Pollutants Affecting Whales and their Prey Inventory Tool (PAWPIT). PAWPIT is an interactive pollutant mapping tool which shows estimates of pollutant releases by all identified sources within a spatial extent that includes the habitats of Northern and Southern Resident killer whales and freshwater areas important for Chinook salmon. The tool also displays estimated ambient contaminant loads in the Fraser River Basin and indicates where environmental quality guidelines were exceeded.

Related links

• Watching marine wildlife
• Reducing the threat of contaminants to Southern Resident killer whales
• Reports, publications and videos related to the protection of Southern Resident killer whales
• Learn more about the ECHO Program’s 2026 voluntary slowdowns and route alteration for commercial ships
• MERS Marine Education and Research Society: Laws and boater safety