Question Period Note: Southern Resident Killer Whale

• Budget 2023 includes $151.9 million over three years to continue 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 food like Chinook salmon, reduce vessel related disturbance and address impacts from contaminants in their habitat.
• We announced enhanced management measures for 2024 for the sixth year in a row to support the species’ recovery, by protecting key foraging areas and minimizing vessel disturbance.

• Two distinct populations of resident killer whales, known as the Northern and Southern Residents, occupy the waters off the west coast of British Columbia. Both populations are listed in Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) as “Threatened” and “Endangered”, respectively.
• In May 2018, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined that Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) face imminent threat to their survival and recovery due to its small population size, low reproductive rate, and the existence of a variety of threats including reductions in the availability of prey (Chinook salmon), physical and acoustic disturbance, and environmental contamination.
• In 2023, 10 whales are identified in poor body condition and at high risk of mortality, as well as one individual in the late stages of pregnancy. SRKWs have approximately a 30% live birth rate and neonate mortality is approximately 43%, so the Department is cautiously optimistic regarding the two calves reported in 2023.
• Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan 2.0 and Whales Initiative 2.0 are supporting the survival and recovery of SRKW.
• The approach for the 2024 management measures was informed by the best available information, and engagement and consultation with Indigenous groups, stakeholders, and the public. Measures announced on May 7 2024 include:
o Maintaining fishery closures for commercial and recreational salmon fisheries near 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.
o Two mandatory Speed Restricted Zones around Swiftsure Bank, in which all vessels will be restricted to a maximum speed of 10 knots, effective June 1 to November 30, 2024.
o The requirement for vessels to stay at least 400 m away and do not position a vessel in the path of killer whales in Southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. This is in effect until May 31, 2025.
o An authorization is issued to local whale watching and ecotourism industry partners to abstain from offering or promoting tours viewing Southern Resident killer whales.
o Two interim sanctuary zones off Pender Island and Saturna Island from June 1 to November 30, 2024. No vessel traffic will be permitted in these areas during this period, subject to certain exceptions for emergency situations and Indigenous vessels.
o New for 2024 – a voluntary speed reduction zone in Tumbo Channel off Saturna Island. Vessels are encouraged to go no more than 10 knots when transiting the area, when safe to do so.
• DFO is also planning to release one million Chilliwack River Chinook Hatchery salmon to support the availability of prey within SRKW habitat.
• The Government of Canada promotes voluntary guidelines and best practices among harvesters and boaters to protect killer whales.
• The Marine Mammal Regulations require maintaining a minimum 200m approach distance from killer whales in Canadian Pacific waters other than those described above.
• Since Fall 2023, DFO has been consulting with Indigenous partners and stakeholders regarding amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations, which include potential adjustments to approach distances for Pacific killer whales and other administrative adjustments in regards to language updates and the use of drones.
• In Spring 2024, DFO will be launching an online survey to gather feedback regarding these potential amendments. The survey, once live, will be active for 90 days for public consultation.
• 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 have been implemented in key Southern Resident killer whale foraging areas near the mouth of the Fraser River, Southern Gulf Islands and Juan de Fuca Strait, with expanded closures around Swiftsure Bank.
• The Government of Canada consulted with Indigenous groups, stakeholders and the public to inform the 2024 management measures, which are based on the best available information.
• 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.