A successful new springtime slowdown trial for the ECHO Program

Throughout March, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s ECHO Program led a new voluntary vessel slowdown trial to reduce underwater noise exposure for Southern Resident Killer Whales.

The March slowdown trial took place in key whale habitat in Haro Strait and Boundary Pass off the coast of British Columbia. BC Coast Pilots played a central role in communicating the voluntary speed targets to bridge teams and supporting masters in adjusting their navigation practices.

By the end of the trial, pilots reported that 83% of eligible transits participated in slowing down. This result shows that most shipping lines calling at the region are willing to adapt their operations when credible, science‑based measures are proposed to reduce underwater noise. This result demonstrates strong engagement from the marine community in protecting this endangered whale population.

March was a particularly active month for Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) in the slowdown area. Visual and acoustic observations from dedicated marine mammal observers indicate up to nine days of SRKW presence during the trial. In addition, Bigg’s (transient) killer whales were detected on 19 days, including multiple days where both SRKW and Bigg’s whales were present in the region.

Voluntary initiatives resuming in June

The March slowdown is part of a broader suite of voluntary measures coordinated by the ECHO Program for the 2026 season. On 1 June, the slowdown at Swiftsure Bank will resume, along with a voluntary route alteration for tugs in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Haro Strait and Boundary Pass slowdown could also restart as early as 1 June, depending on SRKW presence.

All on‑water initiative parameters, including dates, speed targets, geographic coordinates and detailed operational guidance, are made available on the ECHO Program website, helping ship owners and pilots to plan their voyages in advance.

Financial incentives for cleaner and quieter ships

Beyond on‑water measures, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority supports environmental leadership through its EcoAction Program, which offers harbour due rate discounts for vessels that achieve higher environmental performance. Depending on the measures adopted to reduce air emissions, underwater noise or other impacts, shipping lines can receive up to 60% off harbour dues. For underwater noise reduction, several options qualify for different recognition levels, including achieving Green Marine level 5 for underwater noise, along with level 2 in all other indicators, qualifying for Silver level recognition.