Rachael Merrett
Give orcas more space! Be sure to stay current on regulations in Canadian and U.S. coastal waters.
Words by Michelle Young, Georgia Strait Alliance
Resident orcas continue to decline in numbers, prompting changes to boating regulations throughout British Columbia and Washington State in efforts to reduce vessel noise and disturbance, which is detrimental to the population’s survival.
The presence of vessels and underwater noise not only hinders the orcas’ ability to perform basic activities but distorts their echolocation, which is their ability to determine the location of objects (using reflected sound) to successfully hunt, navigate and communicate. It’s required for their survival.
According to a 2021 cross-jurisdictional study of foraging behaviour of Southern Resident orcas in Haro Strait by ScienceDirect, whales are more likely to stop foraging as vessel noise increases from boats and commercial ships. The study also revealed the importance of management initiatives to support the recovery of the species.
The Southern Resident orca population is fragile and fighting extinction. There has been another reduction in the number of orcas over the last few months to 73 individuals across three pods ( J, K, and L). Additionally, the most recent losses are K-21 (Cappuccino), the oldest male in K-pod that was 35-years-old and L-47 (Marina), a 47-year-old matriarch. (Ed note: please refer to below ‘Orca Health Check’).
Marneejill
In the event orcas unexpectedly pass too close to your vessel, cruise at idle.
It’s common for recreational boaters in the Pacific Northwest to encounter Southern Resident orcas from May through to September while they are foraging for Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea. Approximately 136 kg (300 lb) of prey is required each day for orcas to remain healthy and they are known to travel more than 150 km (93 mi) a day in search of Chinook.
As boaters, it's pertinent to know the locations of their natural habitat and the importance of avoiding interim sanctuaries in Canada (which are seasonal) and adhering to the No-Go Zones in the U.S., which are enforced all year.
As regulations are reviewed annually and subject to change throughout 2022 and beyond, up-to-date information about Southern Resident orcas can be obtained by joining the ‘Orca Action Team’ at www.georgiastrait.org.
Regulations to Understand and Always Practice:
In Canada
- Boating is not permitted in interim sanctuaries (with some exceptions) off Pender Island, Saturna Island and Swiftsure Bank from as early as June through to the end of November.
- Always keep 400 m (1,312 ft) from all orcas in Southern B.C. waters from Campbell River to Ucluelet. This also includes the Salish Sea, Howe Sound and Barkley Sound.
- Keep 200 m (656 ft) from all orcas in other B.C. waters as well as from all whales, dolphins and porpoises when at rest or with their calves.
- Keep 100 m (328 ft) from all other whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Be Whale Wise
Marine wildlife laws and guidelines for boaters, paddlers and viewers.
In the U.S.
- Boaters need to stay 365 m (400 yds) away when approaching or cruising along the path of Southern Resident orcas and 274 m (300 yds) from Southern Resident orcas on either side. Always be sure to cruise at idle when whales appear within this distance.
- Stay 91 m (100 yds) from all other marine mammals (e.g. humpback whales, gray whales, sea lions and seals).
- Keep .4 km (.25 mi) offshore between Mitchell Point and Cattle Point and 0.8 km (0.5 mi) around Lime Kiln Point State Park.
These are some of the rules effective as of 2021. For additional up-to-date regulations and guidelines visit BeWhaleWise.org and GeorgiaStrait.org.
Orca Health Check
There are 73 Southern Resident orcas in three matrilineal pods including:
- J-pod: 24 individuals
- K-pod: 16 individuals (this pod is smaller today than when it was listed as endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act in 2003)
- L-pod: 33 individuals
Orcas are fighting to recover but the population is in decline. It’s essential to their health, safety and existence to address key threats of noise pollution, vessel disturbance, shortage of prey and toxic contamination.
Join the Orca Action Team at GeorgiaStrait.org.