Photo by Ryan Stone on Unsplash
killer whale
Government of Canada
Boating and fishing restrictions have been implemented in order to keep Southern Resident Killer Whales safe. The endangered whale population continues to decline because of threats from boat noise and boat disturbance, as well as reduced availability of their preferred prey, chinook salmon. The current measures will protect the vital food source, and will minimize disturbance from vessels to support Southern Resident killer whale recovery.
Guidelines and Maps of management measures found here.
Tips for on water ways to protect killer whales, and other marine mammals:
- Stop fishing within 1000m of killer whales
- Slow down to 7 knots or less when within 1000m of the nearest marine mammal
- Turn off echo sounders and fish finders when not in use
- Place engine in neutral idle and allow animals to pass if your vessel is not in compliance with the approach distance regulations
- For more information on the best ways to help whales while on the water, when on both sides of the border, please visit: bewhalewise.org