Bulletins

Southern Resident Killer Whales are endangered. When you are boating or paddling around Pacific Rim National Park Reserve you may encounter Southern Resident Killer Whales. Take the actions below to protect the killer whales. Your participation is essential.

As of June 1, 2020, keep 400 metres away from killer whales when visiting Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. It’s the law.

Do not enter Interim Sanctuary Zones from June 1 to November 30:

- No fishing or boating in Interim Sanctuary Zones at Swiftsure bank, off the east coast of Saturna Island or the south-west of North Pender Island.

No recreational or commercial salmon fishing in portions of Southern Resident Killer Whale key foraging areas:

- Area-based fishing closures will be in effect August 1 - October 31, 2020 in the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Southern Gulf Islands for recreational and commercial salmon fisheries.

Additional ways you can help:

- If a killer whale appears near you, turn your engine to neutral and let the whale pass.

- Stop fishing if you are within 1,000 metres of a killer whale.

- Go Slow! Reduce your speed to less than 7 knots when within 1,000 metres of a killer whale.

- Turn off your echo sounders and fish finders when not in use.

Be Whale Wise

- For more information on the best ways to help whales while on the water, please visit bewhalewise.org .

Additional resources:

2020 management measures to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales

Boating around Killer Whales in Coastal BC - Give them space

Boating around Killer Whales in Coastal BC - Fishery Measures for Southern Resident Killer Whales

Boating around Killer Whales in Coastal BC - Interim Sanctuary Zones

When you are in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve or Gulf Islands National Park Reserve please call Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch (1-877-852-3100) to report any violations or incidents involving marine mammals to Park Wardens or the appropriate Parks Canada team member.

Otherwise, please report any violations or incidents involving marine mammals (that you overserved or were involved in) to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s 24/7 Observe, Record, Report Line: 1-800-465-4336