NAVWARN details

Effective 0700 UTC JUN 1 2026, to comply with the Interim Order for the Protection of Southern Resident Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) in the Waters of Southern British Columbia, 2026, vessels must not approach within a distance of 1000m of a Southern Resident Killer Whale in the Southern Resident Killer Whale critical habitat and British Columbia coastal waters east of Vancouver Island and south of Campbell River (Cape Mudge) and Ucluelet, including Barkley Sound (up to Port Alberni) and Howe Sound, with coordinates listed in Schedule 1 of the Interim Order.

These prohibitions are in effect until May 31st, 2027. Details of vessel exceptions from the approach distance are described in Sections 2(1), 2(2), 3(2), and 4(2) of the Interim Order. Note that vessels in transit are excepted from the approach distance measure.

Vessels must not operate or navigate within the two Vessel Restricted Zones, specifically those waters off the eastern coast of Saturna Island and southern coast of North Pender Island, with the coordinates listed in Schedule 2 of the Interim Order.

The Vessel Restricted Zones are in effect until November 30th, 2026. Details of vessel exceptions from the Vessel Restricted Zone prohibitions are described in Sections 2(1), 2(2), 5(2) and 6(2) of the Interim Order.

In addition, vessels must adhere to the requirements of two Speed Restricted Zones near Swiftsure Bank, in which all vessels are restricted to a maximum speed of 10 knots over ground, with the coordinates listed in Schedule 3 of the Interim Order.

The Speed Restricted Zones are in effect until November 30th, 2026. Details of vessel exceptions from the Speed Restricted Zones are described in Sections 2(1), 2(2), 7(2) and 8(2) of the Interim Order.

Failure to comply with the Interim Order for the Protection of the Southern Resident Killer Whales in the Waters of Southern British Columbia, 2026 could lead to enforcement action, including fines.

Further details are available at Transport Canada’s website (Interim Order for the Protection of the Southern Resident Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in the Waters of Southern British Columbia, 2026 (canada.ca), or upon request from a Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre.