Question Period Note: Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW): 2020 Management Measures

• 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 May, the Government introduced management measures, which build on past years and focus on increasing prey availability and reducing physical and acoustic disturbance.
• These measures were informed by discussions with Indigenous groups, environmental and industry stakeholders, and the BC and US governments, as well as input from the public.
• Canada will continue to work with key groups to support 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 at 74 individuals as of October 2020 with the birth of two calves this year according to the Center for Whale Research.
• Tahlequah, or J35, gave birth to a calf in early September 2020. J35, received significant public attention in the summer of 2018 when she carried her dead calf on her head for 17 days. Also in September, J41 gave birth to a calf. The Center for Whale Research, which announced the births, note caution that there is approximately a 40% mortality rate for young calves, but has updated their website to reflect 74 animals as of October 2020.
• NOAA Fisheries intends to issue seven-year regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to govern the incidental take of marine mammals by the U.S. Navy’s training and testing activities from November 2020 to November 2027.
• These regulations will affect 28 species of marine mammals, including the Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW), and the final rule authorizes the potential serious injury or mortality of up to three large whales from vessel strikes over the seven years.
• NOAA worked with the Navy to help mitigate impact on marine mammals and the final decision will be published in the Federal Register on November 12.
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• The SRKW 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 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 threats to their survival and recovery.
• In May 2020, the Government of Canada announced a suite of management measures.
• To ensure there is sufficient availability of Chinook (including abundance and accessibility), there will be area-based fishery closures in the Juan de Fuca Strait and Southern Gulf Islands for recreational and commercial salmon fisheries effective August 1 to October 31, 2020. All fish harvesters are also being asked to voluntarily stop fishing within 1000 metres of killer whales.
• Effective June 1, 2020, vessels are prohibited from approaching any killer whale within a 400 metre distance (with some exceptions) in all southern B.C. coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet.
• Recognizing that whale watching and ecotourism companies have an expertise in differentiating among the killer whale ecotypes, an authorization from the Minister of Transport is available for these organizations to view non-Southern Resident killer whales up to 200 metres. This measure builds on the existing 200 metre minimum approach distance for all killer whales in BC waters (apart from the area described above) established in the Marine Mammal Regulations.
• To maximize protections in Southern Resident killer whale key foraging areas, Interim Sanctuary Zones are in effect from June 1 to November 30, 2020, off Pender Island, Saturna Island and at Swiftsure Bank. No vessel traffic will be permitted in these areas, subject to certain exceptions, such as in the case of an emergency and Indigenous vessels.
• Vessels are asked to follow the Be Whale Wise guidelines, including to slow down to less than 7 knots when within 1000 metres of marine mammals, turn off echo sounders and fish finders when not in use, and place engines in neutral idle and allow animals to pass if your vessel is not in compliance with the approach distance regulations.
• The Government of Canada is also addressing contaminant issues. Efforts are underway to encourage ongoing and new activities in the areas of further controls, research and monitoring, data sharing, and outreach and education.

Southern Resident Killer Whale Calves:
• J35 and J41 have both given birth to a calf in September 2020.
• This is exciting news and my department will continue to monitor the situation.
• We should be cautious given there is an approximately 40% mortality rate for young calves.
• The Government of Canada will remain focused on our long term plan to help support the protection and recovery of the Southern Resident killer whale.

U.S. Navy Application for an Incidental Take Authorization
• The protection and recovery of the Southern Resident killer whale is a priority of the Government of Canada.
• The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) led the review of the proposal and worked with the U.S. Navy to mitigate potential impacts on marine mammals.
• My department is engaged with NOAA on this matter to ensure a common understanding of the planned activities and we have expressed the need to continue our efforts to mitigate potential impacts to marine species and their habitat.
• We will continue to work closely with our U.S. partners on actions we can each take to protect the Southern Resident killer whale.