OTTAWA,
ON, March 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada's west
coast is home to one of the most iconic and recognizable marine
species - the Southern Resident killer whale. This species faces
imminent threats to its recovery and survival that all levels of
government must work together to address. The three primary threats
facing this species are: physical and acoustic disturbance such as
underwater noise; reduced prey availability; and environmental
contaminants.
Since 2018, the Government of Canada has taken unprecedented action to
address threats to the Southern Resident killer whale, and has done
so in consultation and partnership with Indigenous communities and
stakeholders. This includes area-based fishing closures, interim
sanctuary zones, speed restriction zones, increased approach
distances for vessels, enhancement of Chilliwack River Chinook
salmon, scientific monitoring, pollution prevention initiatives,
outreach and education, and, compliance and enforcement activities.
We will continue to take the necessary and responsible actions to
step up protection for this species.
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast
Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, and the Minister of
Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault,
proposed additional actions to address threats to Southern Resident
killer whales that build on existing measures.
The Government of Canada is
proposing to:
- increase vessel approach distance for Southern Resident killer
whales;
- progressively prohibit vessel discharge of washwater from
scrubber systems in Southern Resident killer whale critical
habitat;
- adjust salmon fishing closures for 2025 and/or 2026 in key
areas where Southern Resident killer whale forage for food as
needed; and,
- identify interim underwater noise objectives within Southern
Resident killer whale critical habitat, which will serve as
benchmarks to measure noise level changes over time and guide
efforts to reduce underwater noise.
As a next step, the Government of Canada will consult and engage with First
Nations, Wildlife Management Boards, stakeholders, and other
potentially affected parties to seek their views on the scope and
implementation of these proposed measures. These discussions will
help identify potential impacts on communities and stakeholders,
and explore ways to mitigate them, where possible.
Southern Resident killer whales are long-lived and reproduce
slowly. Their recovery is a long-term goal requiring sustained
effort (potentially decades) and monitoring. As a protected species
under Canada's Species at Risk
Act, the Government of Canada
will continue to promote activities that contribute to the survival
and recovery of the Southern Resident killer whale.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is
committed to protecting at-risk species, including the iconic
Southern Resident killer whale, which is facing imminent threats to
its survival and recovery. The Government of Canada has already put in place various
measures to protect the Southern Resident killer whale, but more
needs to be done. Working closely with First Nations and
stakeholders, we will build upon our actions to date so we can
achieve a healthy future for this beloved species."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries,
Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"The Southern Resident killer whale holds tremendous symbolic
and cultural significance to many, especially in British Columbia, and to many Indigenous
people in this country. The polar bear, the caribou, and the orca –
these are awe-inspiring creatures that make us proud to be
Canadian. Many British Columbians follow the lives of these whales
over the course of many years, and feel a deep sense of personal
connection and investment in their wellbeing. I have always been,
and will remain, a vocal advocate for action to protect this
species for generations to come."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources
"The Southern Resident killer whale is an iconic and culturally
significant species in Canada. It
is worth noting that there are only 73 remaining in Canada and that the implementation of these
measures are part of our efforts to halt and reverse its population
decline.
Parks Canada's protected areas
play a vital role in safeguarding and restoring ecosystems while
supporting the recovery of species at risk. The steps we are taking
today build on a suite of measures and investments made since 2018
to better protect, preserve, and restore our marine
ecosystems—ensuring endangered species such as the Southern
Resident killer whale can survive and thrive."
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and
Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
"Limiting the impacts of vessel traffic on Southern Resident
killer whales, while ensuring the safe and efficient movement of
people and goods, is a key priority for our Government. We are
taking concrete steps to preserve these species, support economic
growth, and protect our marine environment for future
generations."
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Transport and
Internal Trade
Quick Facts
- Since 2018, the Government of Canada has made significant investments to
support recovery efforts and mitigate the impacts of key threats to
the Southern Resident killer whale and other at-risk whales, while
also enabling sustainable national economic growth through trade
expansion in the waters they inhabit.
- On November 29, 2024, the
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and the
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change announced that they
had formed the opinion that the Southern Resident killer whale
faces imminent threats to its survival and recovery, and they
identified three key threats to the population: physical and
acoustic disturbance, reduced prey availability; and environmental
contaminants.
- The species has been listed as endangered under Canada's Species at Risk Act since
2003, and as of July 1, 2024, only 73
individuals remain.
- The range of the Southern Resident killer whale covers waters
managed by Parks Canada in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Associated Links –
- Government of Canada's
approach to addressing the imminent threats to Killer Whale,
Northeast Pacific southern resident population
- Imminent Threat Assessment
- Management Measures to Protect Southern Resident killer
whales
- Southern Resident killer whale
Stay Connected
- Follow Fisheries and Oceans Canada on Twitter,
Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
- Follow the Canadian Coast Guard on Twitter,
Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada
