April 08, 2026
Canada announces stronger protections for Southern Resident killer whales in 2026
The Southern Resident killer whale population remains threatened due to physical and acoustic disturbances from vessels, prey availability and environmental pollutants
The Government of Canada announced vessel management measures to support the recovery of Southern Resident killer whales, including an increased approach distance from the previous 400 metres to 1,000 metres. This measure will help increase protection, simplify regulations for Canadians, and align with existing measures in Washington State.
The 2026 vessel management measures include:
• New mandatory requirement to not approach within 1,000 metres of Southern Resident killer whales, to go in effect on June 1, 2026 until May 31, 2027. The approach distance for other killer whales will be 200 metres, as per the Marine Mammal Regulations.
• Two mandatory 10-knot Speed Restricted Zones at Swiftsure Bank, effective June 1 to November 30, 2026.
• Two mandatory Vessel Restricted Zones off Pender and Saturna Islands, effective June 1 to November 30, 2026.
• A voluntary speed reduction zone at Tumbo Channel, off the North side of Saturna Island, effective June 1 to November 30, 2026.
For all other killer whale populations (Transient or Bigg's, Offshore, and Northern Resident), all vessels are required to maintain a 200-metre approach distance, as per the Marine Mammal Regulations.