The Government of Canada has implemented its 2026 vessel protection measures for Southern Resident Killer Whales, with the Interim Order for the Protection of the Southern Resident Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in the Waters of Southern British Columbia taking effect on June 1, 2026.
The measures are intended to reduce vessel disturbance to the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale population, which is protected under Canada's Species at Risk legislation.
Owners, operators, masters, and vessel crews navigating in affected areas are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable regulations.
2026 Vessel Protection Measures
The current measures include: • A 1,000-meter approach distance prohibition for Southern Resident Killer Whales in Southern British Columbia waters. • Vessel Restricted Zones near Pender Island and Saturna Island, in effect through November 30, 2026. • Speed Restricted Zones requiring vessels to travel at no more than 10 knots in designated areas near Swiftsure Bank and the Nitinat River, also in effect through November 30, 2026.
Violations of the Interim Order may result in penalties ranging from CAD $250 to CAD $250,000.
Operators are encouraged to review current navigation requirements, update charts as necessary, and regularly monitor Notices to Mariners, navigation warnings, and ship safety bulletins before transiting affected areas.
Additional information can be found at the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Pacific Region website: 2026 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales.
Please ensure you update your charts, read the notice to mariners and check navigation warnings and ship safety bulletins.
Additional Resources
• Protecting killer whales in the waters of southern British Columbia, 2026 — SSB No.: 08/2026 • NAVWARN details • Canadian Coast Guard — Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR) • Collision Regulations • Nautical charts • Killer Whales — Be Whale Wise