Boating around killer whales – 2023

Boating around killer whales – 2023

Map of Southern Gulf Islands

Stay 400 m away and do not position a vessel in the path of killer whales

In all southern B.C. coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. In effect until May 31, 2024.

Vessels with a purple authorized vessel (AV) flag are allowed to be closer to non-Southern Resident killer whales. Do not follow them.

Do not enter Interim Sanctuary Zones (ISZ) from June 1 to November 30. No boating. No fishing.

Some exceptions apply. For a list of exceptions, please visit the 2023 Management Measures webpage via the QR code.

No recreational and commercial salmon fishing in area-based fishery closures:

Gulf Islands: in effect following the first confirmed presence of Southern Resident killer whales until November 30. Monitoring for confirmed presence of Southern Resident killer whales begins May 1.

Report any violations or incidents involving marine mammals (that you observed or were involved in) to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s 24/7 Observe, Record, Report line:

1-800-465-4336
DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

For more information visit: