Question Period Note: Southern Resident Killer Whale

Why isn’t more being done to protect the Southern Resident Killer Whale?

• Budget 2023 includes $151.9 million over three years to continue our efforts to protect endangered whales and their habitats, including Southern Resident Killer whales.
• We have taken action to address key threats to this population, to help protect the whales’ access to salmon, reduce disturbance and address impacts from contaminants in their habitat.
• On April 26th, enhanced management measures for 2023 were announced for the fifth year in a row to support the species’ recovery through protection of key foraging areas and minimizing disturbance from vessels.

• 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 (SRKW) as ‘Endangered’, and Northern Resident killer whales as ‘Threatened’. Both populations are listed in Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2003.
• In May 2018, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined that SRKWs are facing imminent threats to their survival and recovery.
• 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 2022, 12 whales from J and L pods which are identified in poor body condition and at high risk of mortality. Based on the Sealife Response, Rehabilitation and Research (SR3)’s body condition reporting from fall-spring 2021-2022 surveys, four additional whales (J27, J44, J49, and L90) were included to this list and are at high risk of mortality.
• SRKWs have approximately a 30 per cent live birth rate and neonate mortality is approximately 43 per cent, so the Department is cautiously optimistic regarding the two female calves born in 2022.
• Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, Whales Initiative, and an additional federal investment of $61.5 million are supporting the survival and recovery of Southern Resident killer whales, North Atlantic right whales, and St. Lawrence Estuary belugas by implementing protection measures, increasing research, and monitoring activities and taking action to address key threats.
• The approach for the 2023 management measures was informed by the best available information and knowledge (including the latest scientific research), along with lessons learned from previous years, and engagement and consultation with Indigenous groups, stakeholders, and the public.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of any one management measure is challenging, but the Southern Resident Killer Whale Accountability Framework tracks trends over time regarding monitoring and understanding Southern Resident Killer Whales, reducing threats and activating support for population recovery.
• On April 26, 2023, the government announced a suite of management measures for the fifth year in a row. These measures include:
• Maintaining fishery closures for commercial and recreational salmon fisheries around the mouth of the Fraser River, southern Gulf Islands and Juan de Fuca Strait, while expanding fishing closures around Swiftsure Bank to support further protection for the whales. Commercial and recreational salmon fishing closures in
o Portions of Subareas 121-1, 121-2 and new for 2023 in Subarea 21-0 following the expiry of chinook non-retention measures until October 31 around Swiftsure Bank (closure start date to be communicated in June)
o Portions of Subareas 20-1 and 20-5 following the expiry of chinook non-retention measures until October 31 in parts of the Juan de Fuca Strait (closure start date to be communicated in June)
o A portion of Subarea 29-3 from August 1 to September 30 around the mouth of the Fraser River
o Subareas 18-9 and portions of 18-2, 18-4 and 18-5 in effect when Southern Resident killer whales are first confirmed to be in the southern Gulf Islands area and will be in place until November 30.
• New for 2023, the Southern Gulf Islands closure protocol for commercial and recreational salmon fisheries will be in effect from the first confirmed presence of Southern Resident killer whales in the area and extend to November 30, 2023 (i.e. one month later than 2022).
• Two mandatory Speed Restricted Zones near Swiftsure Bank, in which all vessels will be restricted to a maximum speed of 10 knots, effective June 1 to November 30, 2023. This measure was first co-developed with Pacheedaht First Nation and incorporates the latest scientific advice about habitat use.
• The requirement for vessels to stay at least 400 m away from all killer whales in Southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet, including Barkley and Howe Sound. This is now in effect until May 31, 2024. If killer whales approach any vessel, boaters should put their engine in neutral and wait for the animals to pass.
• An agreement with local whale watching and ecotourism industry partners to abstain from offering or promoting tours viewing Southern Resident killer whales.
• Two interim sanctuary zones off Pender Island and Saturna Island from June 1 to November 30, 2023. No vessel traffic will be permitted in these areas during this period, subject to certain exceptions for emergency situations and Indigenous vessels.
• For the fourth consecutive year, DFO is also planning to release one million Chilliwack River Chinook Hatchery salmon to support the availability of prey within the habitat of Southern Resident killer whales.
• The Government of Canada continues to promote voluntary guidelines and best practices to protect killer whales including encouraging fishers to temporarily stop fishing (and not haul gear) when within 1000m of a killer whale, reduce speed to less than 7 knots within 1000m of a killer whale, turn off fish finders and echo sounders and when safe to do so, place engine in neutral idle and allow animals to pass if a vessel is not in compliance with approach distances.
• The Marine Mammal Regulations remain in effect year-round, and require maintaining a minimum 200 metre approach distance from all killer whales in Canadian Pacific waters other than those described above, and 100 metres for other whales, porpoises and dolphins or 200 metres when the animal is in resting position or with a calf.
• In the coming year, DFO will be launching a consultation process to consider adjustments to approach distances for killer whales on the Pacific coast under the Marine Mammal Regulations of the Fisheries Act. Any potential changes to the Marine Mammal Regulations will be based on scientific advice and partner and stakeholder feedback to date, as part of the upcoming consultation process.
• Canada continues to work collaboratively with the U.S. federal government and the Washington state government to share research and align management actions where possible.

If pressed on the economic impact of closures
• Commercial and recreational salmon fishery closures will be implemented around the Mouth of the Fraser River, Southern Gulf Islands and Juan de Fuca Strait, with expanded closures around Swiftsure Bank.
• These measures protect the whales’ access to salmon and minimize disturbance, while supporting harvest opportunities and minimizing socioeconomic impacts to fishers and coastal communities where possible.
• The Government of Canada consulted with Indigenous groups, stakeholders and the public to inform the 2023 management measures, which are based on the best available information.