Help protect killer whales

Help protect killer whales

Know before you go

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

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

Penalties for violations may apply.

Exceptions apply for authorized vessels with a purple authorized vessel (AV) flag. Do not follow them.

Do not enter Interim Sanctuary Zones (ISZ) 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 ISZs.

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 Strait of Juan de Fuca, 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

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.

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 above.

Shipping lanes

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.

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 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.

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 (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

Check out some additional resources

For more information on the 2023 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales:

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