Boating around killer whales – 2023

Boating around killer whales – 2023

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

Stay 400 m away and do not position a vessel in the path of killer whales in all southern B.C. coastal waters.

200 m away from all killer whales in B.C., outside designated 400 m areas.

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 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.

Two Speed Restricted Zones (SRZ) from June 1 to November 30.

Vessels must not go more than 10 knots (kn) in these areas, with some exceptions.

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

Do not enter Interim Sanctuary Zones (ISZ) from June 1 to November 30. 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, please visit the 2023 Management Measures webpage via the QR code below.

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

• Swiftsure Bank: in effect following expiry of the Chinook non-retention measures to October 31.
• Juan de Fuca Strait: in effect following expiry of the Chinook non-retention measures to October 31.
• 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.
• Mouth of the Fraser River: in effect from August 1 to September 30.

Be Whale Wise

Stop fishing (do not haul gear) when within 1,000 m of killer whales.

Reduce speed to less than 7 kn when within 1,000 m of the nearest whale.

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 (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 on the 2023 measures, visit:

Be Whale Wise: