2021 measures announced to help the Southern resident killer whale

The Government of Canada is adding to the measures it has taken over the past two years to protect the small population of Southern resident killer whales. The new protections include a minimum 400-metre (1,312-feet) approach distance (until May 31, 2022) in British Columbia’s southern coastal waters, and the re-establishment of interim sanctuary zones off Pender Island, Saturna Island and Swiftsure Bank (from June 1 to November 30, 2021).

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will also close specific waterways to commercial and recreational salmon fishing at certain times to improve the availability of Chinook salmon for the endangered whales and decrease vessel disturbances in key feeding areas.

Visit 2021 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales for more information.