04/14/2026
The Government of Canada announced their proposed amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations (MMR) in which the vessel avoidance distance for Southern Resident killer whales will increase to 1000m, legislation we have been fighting for years to be enacted to protect our relatives of the deep. This is a win for SRKW!
However, we are severely disappointed that avoidance distances for other killer whales and baleen whales in the Salish Sea will not be increased, under the MMRs these distances are 200m and 100m (unless resting or with a calf), respectively. This will be a regression of 400m distance that has been set since 2019. Other whales deserve space and are also negatively impacted by both physical and acoustic disturbance of vessels, and the risk of vessel strike. The failure by Canada to legislate an increased vessel distance for all of our marine relatives is an insult. From 2023 to 2025 academia, NGOS, and many Indigenous Nations have urged Canada to implement an increased avoidance distance to 400 or 1,000 metres for all Pacific killer whales.
The quality of life for the whales is not being put at the forefront, even though DFO’s mandate is to “…protect our oceans, freshwater and aquatic ecosystems and species from the negative impact of humans … We achieve this through sound science and in collaboration with Indigenous communities.”
DFO’s research on Bigg’s states the chronic noise from vessels masks communication, interferes with echolocation, and negatively impacts their ability to find prey - resulting in potential reduced foraging efficiency and disrupted hunts.
Last year, multiple Humpback whales were struck and killed by vessels, including ecotourism vessels. We must keep boats further away from whales.
We urge you to comment to DFO on the proposed changes to voice your support for 1000m distance for SRKW and urge DFO to legislate increased avoidances for all whales.
Public consultation for the proposed MMR changes ends April 21, 2026. Comments must be submitted directly to the Canada Gazette. You can read more about our opinions, the amendments, and submit a comment directly to the Government of Canada at the links in our bio. HÍSW̱ḴE
