With only 73 individuals remaining, the Southern Resident killer whale population is facing a critical moment in its survival. In response, the Government of Canada has announced a new suite of proposed measures to further protect the endangered species that inhabits the waters off British Columbia’s coast.
On March 6 the federal government unveiled additional actions aimed at tackling the three major threats identified as jeopardizing the survival of Southern Resident killer whales: physical and acoustic disturbance, reduced prey availability, and environmental contaminants. These proposals build on measures already introduced since 2018, ranging from fishing closures and sanctuary zones to noise reduction efforts and salmon enhancement projects.
“The Government of Canada is committed to protecting at-risk species, including the iconic Southern Resident killer whale,” said Diane Lebouthillier, who was minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard when the new measures were announced in early March. “Working closely with First Nations and stakeholders, we will build upon our actions to date so we can achieve a healthy future for this beloved species.”
The new proposals include increasing the minimum vessel approach distance to reduce stress on the whales, progressively banning the discharge of scrubber system washwater in key habitats, adjusting salmon fishing closures for 2025 and 2026 based on foraging patterns, and setting interim benchmarks to track and manage underwater noise levels.
Recognized under Canada’s Species at Risk Act since 2003, Southern Resident killer whales are particularly vulnerable due to their small population size and slow reproductive rate. The survival of each individual whale is critical to the species' long-term recovery, which experts warn could take decades.
Environmental and cultural significance weigh heavily in the government’s efforts, say federal officials.
“The Southern Resident killer whale holds tremendous symbolic and cultural significance to many, especially in British Columbia and to many Indigenous people in this country,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “Many British Columbians follow the lives of these whales over the course of many years, and feel a deep sense of personal connection and investment in their wellbeing.”
As part of the next steps, the government will consult with First Nations, wildlife management boards, local stakeholders, and affected industries to gather input on the proposed actions and explore mitigation options for any resulting impacts.
The measures are part of a broader strategy that includes ecosystem restoration efforts by Parks Canada, which manages critical habitats in the Gulf Islands and Pacific Rim National Park Reserves.
“The steps we are taking today build on a suite of measures and investments made since 2018,” said Steven Guilbeault, minister of Environment and Climate Change. “We are ensuring endangered species such as the Southern Resident killer whale can survive and thrive.”
Limiting underwater noise and environmental pollution from marine traffic, such as vessel exhaust scrubber washwater, remains a key focus.
“Scrubber systems are designed to remove pollutants from the air emissions coming from marine engines,” said a media contact at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Scrubbers remove pollutants from engine emissions but discharge acidic and chemical-laden water into the ocean, threatening marine life. The proposed prohibition of this discharge in critical whale habitats is one of the government’s most direct actions to combat such pollution.
Despite the challenges, government officials emphasize a balance between conservation and commerce.
“Limiting the impacts of vessel traffic on Southern Resident killer whales, while ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, is a key priority for our government,” said Transport Minister Anita Anand.
Formal decisions on the 2025 measures, including fishing regulations, are expected in early May, according to Lara Sloan of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada media communications.
As the Southern Resident killer whale population teeters on the brink, the government’s intensified protection efforts represent a crucial step in securing a future for these important creatures in Canadian waters.