Federal government expands whale protections off B.C. coast

A major shift in how marine traffic interacts with endangered whales is coming to B.C.’s coastal waters, with the federal government expanding protections for southern resident killer whales and committing more than $258 million to long-term recovery efforts.

Starting June 1, under an interim order from Transport Canada, vessels must stay at least 1,000 metres away from southern resident killer whales in southern B.C. coastal waters, including the Strait of Georgia, the Juan de Fuca Strait and waters off Vancouver Island. Up from the previous 400-metre approach distance.

The expansion comes as officials point to ongoing pressures on the population including underwater noise, reduced chinook salmon availability and vessel interactions in the region.

Proposed amendments under Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations are also under review that would make the 1,000-metre requirement permanent.

$258M funding package for whale recovery

The regulatory change comes alongside a $258.1-million investment announced through Fisheries and Oceans Canada to support whale recovery efforts across Canada over the next five years.

Officials say the funding is aimed at reducing the cumulative impacts facing at-risk whale populations, particularly in high-traffic marine areas such as the Salish Sea, where shipping, ferries and recreational vessels overlap with critical habitat.

What the funding will support

The investment will expand whale detection and acoustic monitoring systems, strengthen enforcement of marine protection measures and support marine mammal response programs.

It also includes continued collaboration with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority through the Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program, which works with industry to reduce underwater noise from commercial shipping.

Support is also included for quieter vessel technologies with B.C. Ferries, which is working to reduce underwater radiated noise across its fleet in the Salish Sea by up to 50 per cent.

Indigenous participation in monitoring, stewardship and marine conservation work is also part of the funding plan.

“Canada will continue to take decisive action to protect these majestic marine mammals. From coast to coast to coast, this funding will support the continued protection of at-risk whale species and the greater marine environment. This will ensure that our waters are thriving, supporting coastal communities and sustainable fisheries for generations,” said Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries in an online statement.

A changing coastline for marine traffic

The new measures come as marine traffic continues to grow along B.C.’s coast, increasing pressure on already vulnerable whale populations.

Federal officials say the approach is designed to reduce disturbance to southern resident killer whales while maintaining safe, reliable movement of goods and people through one of Canada’s busiest marine corridors.

The statement says the measures are intended to support implementation and enforcement of whale protection rules, including vessel speed restrictions, fisheries management measures and expanded monitoring programs.

A wider buffer, a longer-term shift

For operators on the water, the change marks a noticeable shift in how encounters with whales will be managed.

Federal officials say the combined regulatory and funding measures reflect a long-term commitment to recovery, developed in collaboration with First Nations, coastal communities and industry, as Canada continues to refine how its coastal waters are shared between marine life and marine transportation.