Image: Miles Ritter
Southern resident orcas (or killer whales) are an endangered species. As of February 2025, the population numbered only 73 individuals.
Distance regulations
As of June 1, 2026, it is the law to keep 1,000 metres away from all Southern Resident killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. This requirement is in effect until May 31, 2027, under the Interim Order enacted under the Canada Shipping Act.
It is also mandatory to be 200 metres away from all other orcas in all other areas of Canadian Pacific waters year‑round.
Vessel Restricted Zones
Effective between June 1 and November 30:
- No fishing or boating within the North Pender Island and Saturna Island Vessel Restricted Zones. There are exceptions for emergency situations, and Indigenous fishing for food, social, or ceremonial purposes.
To ensure the safety of those operating human‑powered vessels, a 20‑metre corridor next to the shore allows kayakers and other paddlers to transit through these zones. If orcas are in the sanctuary at the time, paddlers must remain 1,000 metres away from the whales.
There is also a voluntary Speed Reduction Zone in Tumbo Channel from June 1 to November 30. Vessels should reduce speed to no more than 10 knots in this area when safe to do so.
Speed Restricted Zones:
From June 1 to November 30, all vessels must slow down to a maximum of 10 knots around Swiftsure Bank, including:
- a portion of Subarea 121‑1
- portions of Subareas 121‑1, 121‑2, and 21‑0 near the mouth of the Nitinat River from Carmanah Point to Longitude 125°W
Some limited exceptions apply.
Area‑based fishery closures: For 2026, Southern Resident killer whale prey measures are still under consideration and will be communicated by Fishery Notice ahead of implementation. In all Canadian Pacific waters, fishers are also asked to voluntarily stop fishing (do not haul gear) within 1,000 metres of killer whales as a best practice to reduce competition for their food and minimize disturbance.
Voluntary management measures:
Within 1,000 metres of orcas, you are encouraged to:
- Stop fishing (Voluntary Fishing Avoidance Zone).
- Slow down to 7 knots or less.
- Turn off echosounders and fish finders when not in use.
Place the engine in neutral idle and allow animals to pass if your vessel is not in compliance with the approach distance regulations.
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- Be whale-wise and know the rules on both sides of the border.
The Government of Canada’s “Overview of 2026 management measures to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales” can be download and includes a map of all the areas and vessel restricted zones that are referred to on this page. Additional information, including maps of vessel restricted zones, seasonal slow-down areas, area-based fishery closures, and more can be found on the Government of Canada website.
You can also take the pledge to Give Them Space, and go beyond the legal requirements to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales!