Southern Resident Killer Whales management measures
The SRKW management measures to protect our ORCAs are in place again since June 1st.
- 400 metre Approach Distance prohibition (until May 31, 2026) for all killer whales, in Southern BC waters;
- An authorization will be available to eligible ecotourism and whale watching companies to apply for, to view non-Southern Resident killer whales at a distance of no closer than 200 meters, as per the Marine Mammal Regulations;
- Prohibition of Impeding the Path of a Killer Whale (until May 31, 2026), in Southern BC waters;
- Vessel Restricted Zones (formerly named Interim Sanctuary Zones) near Pender Island and Saturna Island (until November 30, 2025);
- Speed Restricted Zones – vessels must transit at no more than 10 knots in two areas near Swiftsure Bank (until November 30, 2025)
- *Voluntary* Speed Reduction Zone in Tumbo Channel (until November 30, 2025), where vessels are asked to travel at 10 knots when safe to do so.
The vessel based measures complement existing annual management measures in place to address key threats to Southern Resident Killer whales and maps with more detailed descriptions of each area and measures can be found on the Southern Resident killer whale management measures. A brochure with all the relevant information is available here: 2025-SRKW_Brochure_EN_Digital
