Help protect Southern Resident killer whales — Know before you go

Help protect Southern Resident killer whales

Know before you go

Canadian laws and guidelines for boating, fishing and paddling around killer whales

Keep 1,000 m away from Southern Resident killer whales

It’s the law

Penalties for violations may apply.

Do not enter Vessel Restricted Zones (VRZ)

It’s the law

Penalties for violations may apply.

Human-powered vessels (kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, etc.) may transit directly through a 20 m corridor along the shoreline of the Pender and Saturna Island VRZs.

No salmon fishing

It’s the law

Penalties for violations may apply.

No recreational and commercial salmon fishing in the area-based fishery closures in the Juan de Fuca Strait, Swiftsure Bank, the Gulf Islands and the mouth of the Fraser River.

*See reverse for details

Slow down in Speed Restricted Zones (SRZ)

It’s the law

Penalties for violations may apply.

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. Slow down when safe to do so. Vessels are encouraged to slow down to 10 knots in this area.

Do not enter Vessel Restricted Zones (VRZ), from June 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026. No boating. No fishing. Some exceptions apply. For a list of exceptions, visit the 2026 Management Measures webpage via the QR code above.

Shipping lanes

Two 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.

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

• Swiftsure Bank – in effect from July 15 to October 31, 2026.
• Juan de Fuca Strait – in effect from 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.
• Place engine in neutral idle and allow animals to pass if your vessel is not in compliance with the approach distance regulations.

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

Check out some additional resources

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

For the best way to help whales while on the water on both sides of the border visit: Be Whale Wise webpage