Stronger Protections for Orcas in Canada

Back in March of 2025, we reported that Canada’s federal government refused to issue an emergency order to help protect Southern Resident killer whales (scientific species name: Orcinus orca). This was despite recommendations made by two of the country’s own ministers, who cited “imminent threats” to the survival of the whales’ population.

We are pleased to announce that last month, the Government of Canada announced stronger protections for the whales beginning this year.

In a news release dated April 2, 2026, the Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Steven Mackinnon, announced vessel management measures to support the recovery of Southern Resident killer whales, including an increased approach distance from the previous 400 metres to 1000 metres. This measure is being implemented to help increase protection, simplify regulations for Canadians, and align with existing measures in Washington State.

Southern Resident killer whales, comprised of three pods – “J”, “K” and “L” – are classified as endangered both in Canada (2001) and the United States (2005), with only an estimated 76 whales remaining. Their habitat is located mainly in the Pacific Northwest, off the coasts of British Columbia (in Canada), and Washington and Oregon (in the United States) but have also been known to forage further in search of Chinook salmon.

According to the news release, the 2026 vessel management measures include:

• Between June 1, 2026 and May 31, 2027, there will be a new mandatory requirement to not approach within 1,000 metres of Southern Resident killer whales. The approach distance for other killer whales will be 200 metres, as per the Marine Mammal Regulations.
• Between June 1 and November 30, 2026, there will be two mandatory 10-knot speed-restricted zones at Swiftsure Bank.
• Between June 1 and November 30, 2026 there will be two mandatory vessel-restricted zones off Pender and Saturna Islands.
• Between June 1 and November 30, 2026 there will be a voluntary speed reduction zone at Tumbo Channel, off the north side of Saturna Island.

To support the enforcement of the mandatory vessel measures and protection efforts for Southern Resident killer whales, Transport Canada will maintain its ongoing partnership activities with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, Parks Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, US Coast Guard, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Indigenous communities, and local stakeholders.

We applaud Canada’s efforts to help protect Southern Resident killer whales and hope that environmental measures will continue to be strengthened in the years ahead.

Sources used in this blog:

Government of Canada announces stronger protections for Southern Resident killer whales in 2026

2026 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales

Orca Network Births and Deaths 

Canada Says No to Orca Protection

Featured image: ‘J” pod Southern Resident Killer Whales, NOAA Fisheries via Outside Magazine, author: Katy Foster. Note: image is part of the public domain.