Speed Limits and Fishery Regulations Implemented to Protect Southern Killer Whales”

The federal government has announced salmon fishery closures and mandatory speed limits in areas where southern resident killer whales forage and travel to protect the endangered species.

A statement from Transport Canada says the measures off Vancouver Island aim to protect the whales from noise, contaminants, and to improve their access to prey.

Until November 30, all vessels must slow down to a maximum of 10 knots in two speed-restricted zones near Swiftsure Bank. No vessels or fishing are allowed in interim sanctuary zones off South Pender Island and the southeast end of Saturna Island.

Recreational and commercial salmon fisheries will be closed this year and next year in the whales’ key foraging areas along Swiftsure Bank from July 15 to October 31 and around the mouth of the Fraser River from August 1 to September 30.

These measures are part of a series of actions taken over the last six years to protect the remaining 74 whales, including requirements for vessels to stay at least 400 meters from the orcas and for local whale-watching groups to avoid offering tours of southern residents.

The federal government is allocating $3.2 million over two years to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to sustain a program encouraging ship operators to either reduce speed or maintain a safe distance while traversing crucial areas of southern resident killer whale habitat.

Additionally, $300,000 has been earmarked for an alert system designed to notify large commercial vessels of potential whale proximity through an online application.

However, some advocates argue that these measures fall short of adequately addressing the plight of the endangered and dwindling population.

They advocate for an expansion of the required distance between boaters and orcas from 400 meters to 1,000 meters, akin to regulations set to take effect in the waters off Washington state next year.

MacDuffee emphasizes the need for prolonged restrictions, suggesting that fishery closures should have commenced in March, coinciding with the whales’ foraging season.

Furthermore, she contends that speed limitations and fishery closures should be extended to encompass additional areas.