Poster: Boating around killer whales – 2026

Boating around killer whales – 2026

Map of south coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Marine Mammal Regulations apply year-round in Canadian Pacific waters.

Keep your distance

It’s the law

• 1,000 m away from Southern Resident killer whales in southern B.C. coastal waters
• 200 m away from all other killer whales in B.C. waters
• 200 m away from all whales, dolphins and porpoises when in resting position or with a calf
• 100 m away from all other whales, dolphins and porpoises

Stay 1,000 m away from Southern Resident killer whales in all waters between Campbell River and Ucluelet.

Voluntary Speed Reduction Zone from June 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026. Vessels are encouraged to stay under 10 knots in this area when safe to do so.

Two mandatory Speed Restricted Zones (SRZ) from June 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026. Vessels must not go more than 10 knots in these areas, with some exceptions. For a list of exceptions, visit the 2026 management measures webpage via the QR code above.

Do not enter Vessel Restricted Zones from June 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026. No boating. No fishing. Human-powered vessels (kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, etc.) may use a 20 m transit corridor along the shoreline. For a list of exceptions, visit the 2026 management measures webpage via the QR code above.

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

• Swiftsure Bank – in effect July 15 to October 31, 2026.
• Juan de Fuca Strait – in effect August 1 to October 31, 2026.
• Gulf Islands – in effect following the first confirmed presence of Southern Resident killer whales until November 30, 2026. Monitoring for confirmed presence of Southern Resident killer whales begins May 1, 2026.
• Mouth of the Fraser River – in effect from August 1 to September 30, 2026.

Be Whale Wise Guidelines

• Stop fishing (do not haul gear) when within 1,000 m of killer whales.
• Reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 1,000 m of the nearest marine mammal.
• When safe to do so, turn off fish finders and echo sounders.
• If you are too close, place engine in neutral idle and allow animals to pass.

Shipping lanes

Report any violations or incidents involving marine mammals to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s 24/7 Observe, Record, Report line:

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

To stay up to date on the 2026 measures, visit: the 2026 management measures webpage

Be Whale Wise: Be Whale Wise webpage