Question Period Note: Southern Resident Killer Whale

• Our Government is committed to the protection and recovery of the iconic Southern Resident killer whales, and has taken significant steps to address key threats to the Southern Resident killer whales.
• In 2019, these measures focused on increasing prey availability and reducing physical and acoustic disturbance.
• The 2019 measures were in place until October 31, 2019, and the Government is now working actively with technical experts, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders to recommend appropriate measures for 2020.
• Canada will continue to work in consultation with coastal communities, environmental and industry stakeholders and Indigenous groups on implementing measures for the continued protection of Southern Resident killer whales.

• Two distinct populations of resident killer whales, known as the Northern and Southern Residents, occupy the waters off the west coast of British Columbia.
• In 2001, COSEWIC designated Southern Resident Killer Whales as ‘endangered’, and Northern Resident Killer Whales as ‘threatened’. Both populations are listed in Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). These two populations are acoustically, genetically and culturally distinct. Southern Resident Killer Whales are also listed under the US Endangered Species Act as Endangered.
• The Southern Resident Killer Whale population is currently 73 individuals. It is considered to be at risk because of its small population size, low reproductive rate, and the existence of a variety of anthropogenic threats that have the potential to prevent recovery or to cause further declines.
• Principal among these anthropogenic threats are reductions in the availability or quality of prey (Chinook salmon is the main prey item), both physical and acoustic disturbance, and environmental contamination.
• Actions on many of the recovery measures identified in the resident killer whale recovery strategy are underway.
• In May 2018, Ministers of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined that Southern Resident Killer Whales are facing imminent threat to their survival and recovery.
• In May 2019, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Canada announced a series of protection measures, including:
o Sanctuaries prohibiting most forms of vessel traffic in key foraging areas and additional salmon fishing closures in other parts of key foraging areas. These closures are intended to increase prey availability and access for the whales and reduce disturbance from fishing vessels.
o Increased approach distance to 400 metres for all Killer Whales within Southern Resident Killer Whale critical habitat.
o Increased compliance and enforcement through on-the-water and aerial surveillance.
o Protection of critical habitat for Southern Resident Killer Whale off the southwest coast of Vancouver Island.
o Voluntary slowdowns of shipping traffic through Haro Strait and a trial lateral displacement of some commercial vessel traffic within shipping lanes to reduce noise in key foraging areas.
• The seasonal measures are no longer in effect as of October 31, 2019. However, the Marine Mammal Regulations continue to remain in effect year-round, including maintaining a minimum 200 meter distance from all killer whales in Canadian Pacific waters, and, for other whales, porpoises and dolphins, a minimum approach distance of 100 metres or 200 metres when in resting position or with a calf.
• DFO conducts a considerable amount of scientific research on resident killer whales (e.g. population dynamics, photo ID, habitat use, movements, contaminants, foraging ecology, etc.), and will continue to work on better understanding the threats to these population.

• Our Government is engaging with our partners to identify the lessons learned from the 2019 management measures.
• A monitoring and assessment framework has been developed to measure progress and inform recovery actions going forward.
• The measures that have been implemented reflect the commitment to recover the population in a manner that takes into account important socio-economic and cultural factors and input from First Nations and coastal communities.
• As a Government that believes in evidence-based decision making, the lessons learned from the 2019 season will inform the approach for the 2020 season to support Southern Resident killer whale recovery
• Our Government is committed to working thoughtfully and collaboratively with First Nations and marine stakeholders to promote the recovery of the Southern Resident killer whale population.
• The measures that have been implemented reflect the commitment to recover the population in a manner that takes into account important economic factors and collaboration with First Nations and coastal communities.
• The Government looks forward to continuing this collaboration as we implement the best and most effective means to reduce threats to the survival of the Southern Resident killer whale population.
• This population is presently considered to be at risk because of its small population size, low reproductive rate, and the existence of a variety of anthropogenic threats that have the potential to prevent recovery or to cause further declines.
• Canada has taken significant steps to help mitigate key threats to Southern Resident killer whales.
• Protecting and recovering the Southern Resident killer whales will involve a long-term approach that requires whole of government coordination and the active collaboration of many partners.
• Both the Canada and the United States are aligned on the need for a long-term, strategic plan that will help mitigate threats to the recovery of Southern Resident killer Whales.
• Canada is working collaboratively with the US federal government and the Washington state government to align measures where possible.
• While the measures may differ due to local contexts and other considerations, both jurisdictions work closely to ensure that measures are complimentary as much as possible.
• We have also worked with our US partners to develop communications materials for the public such as the Be Whale Wise guidelines that describe our respective protection measures.