The Government of Canada have announced a series of measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales to try and restore population numbers. The measures, aimed at protecting the whales from noise, contaminants and improving their access to prey (they are fish eaters with a preference for Chinook) include the continued requirement for vessels to stay at least 400 meters away from the marine mammals to give a quieter, safer environment for this vulnerable species. A prohibition from impeding their path in Southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and Ucluelet, including Barkley and Howe Sound is now in effect until May 31, 2025. However, most of the measures announced are a continuation of measures in place in previous years. They are insufficient to recover the endangered and dwindling Southern resident killer whales whose population currently stands at only 74.
