Canadian Government has once again implemented measures in B.C. waters to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) that include restrictions that affect all boaters. Seasonal measures include restrictions on fishing, approach distance to SRKW, restricted speed zones, and boat NO GO zones where boat entry is not allowed. The Government of Canada through Transport Canada continues to take strong actions with substantial fines and penalties for boats that accidently or inadvertently violate any of these measures.

Give Killer Whales Space – stay 400m away (effective until May 31, 2026). Vessels, both motorized and human-powered, must continue to stay at least 400 m away and not position themselves in the path of killer whales in Southern B.C. coastal waters between Campbell River and Ucluelet, including Barkley and Howe Sound.

Mandatory Speed Restricted Zone (effective June 1 – November 30, 2025) All vessels must slow to no more than 10 knots around the Swiftsure Bank area.

Voluntary Speed Restricted Zones (effective June 1 – November 30, 2025) There continues to be a voluntary 10 knot Speed Reduction Zone in Tumbo Channel off Saturna Island.

Vessel Restricted (NO GO) Zones (effective June 1 – November 30, 2025) Vessel Restricted (NO GO) Zones, formerly named Interim Sanctuary Zones, will again be in effect off Pender Island and Saturna Island. No boating or fishing will be permitted in these areas, subject to certain exceptions including emergency situations, vessels engaged in Indigenous food, social, and ceremonial fisheries, or Indigenous Peoples exercising existing rights.

Fishery Measures

Area-based closures will again be in place for recreational and commercial salmon fisheries in Southern Resident killer whale key foraging areas for 2025:

  • Swiftsure Bank – in effect from July 15 to October 31
  • Juan de Fuca Strait – in effect from August 1 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 began on May 1.
  • Mouth of the Fraser River – in effect from August 1 to September 30. The Southern Gulf Islands closure protocol for commercial and recreational salmon fisheries will be in effect from the first confirmed presence of Southern Resident Killer Whales in the area until November 30, 2025. Monitoring of the area began May 1, 2025, and once a Southern Resident Killer Whale is confirmed, fishery closures will be triggered to be implemented.

All fishers are encouraged to temporarily cease fishing activities (do not haul in gear) when Killer Whales are within 1,000 metres. This voluntary measure is in place year-round throughout Canadian Pacific waters.

Map Illustration: Transport Canada