New measures will take effect tomorrow (June 1st) that are supposed to help save Southern Resident Killer Whales.
All vessels are prohibited from approaching any Southern Resident Killer Whale within a 400-metre distance.
Vessels are prohibited from entering areas newly designated as Interim Sanctuary Zones and those include the Swiftsure Bank, off the east coast of Saturna Island, and south-west of North Pender Island.
Some exemptions are provided for emergency response vessels and Indigenous persons engaged in certain activities.
As a sign of leadership, the Pacific Whale Watch Association has signed an agreement that it won’t offer tours of Southern Resident killer whales.
Commercial whale watch operators and eco-tourism companies that demonstrate a commitment to environmental conservation can apply for authorization from the Minister of Transport to approach non-Southern Resident killer whales to a distance of 200 metres.