Boating Around Killer Whales in Coastal BC - Fishery Measures for Southern Resident Killer Whales

Southern Resident Killer Whales are endangered. They eat Chinook salmon but are struggling to find enough food to eat. While boating or paddling around the British Columbia South Coast, you may encounter Southern Resident Killer Whales. Please be aware of recreational and commercial salmon fishing closures in portions of Southern Resident Killer Whale key foraging areas.


Where are the area-based fishing closures?


Strait of Juan de Fuca:
Area-based fishing closures for commercial and recreational salmon will be in place in a portion of Swiftsure Bank from July 16 to October 31, 2021 and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca from August 1 to October 31, 2021. https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/mammals-mammiferes/whales-baleines/srkw-measures-mesures-ers-eng.html#maps


Southern Gulf Islands:
Area-based fishing closures will be in effect in the Southern Gulf Islands for recreational and commercial salmon fisheries. NEW for 2021, fishery closures are triggered by the first confirmed presence of Southern Resident Killer Whales in the area. Monitoring will begin in the area on June 1, 2021, and once a Southern Resident Killer Whale is confirmed, fishery closures will be triggered and will remain in place until October 31, 2021.
https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/mammals-mammiferes/whales-baleines/srkw-measures-mesures-ers-eng.html#maps


If you are fishing outside of these areas, please stop fishing (do not haul gear) when within 1000 metres of a killer whale (in line with Be Whale Wise guidelines).


Also, do not enter Interim Sanctuary Zones from June 1 to November 30. No fishing or boating in Interim Sanctuary Zones at Swiftsure Bank, off the east coast of Saturna Island or the south-west of North Pender Island.


Please take these actions to protect the killer whales. Your participation is essential.


Additional Resources:
Boating Around Killer Whales in Coastal BC - Give Them Space: https://youtu.be/VmHE-AG-730
Boating Around Killer Whales in Coastal BC - Interim Sanctuary Zones:

https://youtu.be/y7hRkfdarQI

Please note that all maps featured in this video are not to be used for navigational purposes.


Cette vidéo est aussi disponible en français : https://youtu.be/dRXT5u90bas

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