2022 North Atlantic right whale protection measures

Following two successful years during which there were no reported right whale deaths in Canadian waters, Canada announced the fishery and vessel management measures for the 2022 season.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will again implement seasonal and temporary fishing area closures in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Bay of Fundy, and critical habitat areas where and when right whales are visually and acoustically detected.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will also continue to address ghost gear in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, supporting networks of marine mammal responders, and working with harvesters to help them make the transition to whale-safe gear in 2023.

Transport Canada’s vessel traffic management measures include a speed restriction for all vessels more than 13 metres (42.6 feet) long throughout much of the Gulf of St. Lawrence to protect areas where whales are detected.

All measures will take effect on April 20 to better respond to the North Atlantic right whale presence.