There are 10 measures this year, including mandatory 10-knot speed zones in two areas near Swiftsure Bank, northwest of Victoria, a rich feeding ground for the salmon the resident whales like to eat
VANCOUVER — The federal government has announced several measures, ranging from sanctuary zones to fishing closures, as it works to protect critically endangered southern resident killer whales off the British Columbia coast. The federal departments of fisheries, environment and transport issued a joint news release on Wednesday outlining what is described as a fifth consecutive year of action to protect and restore the southern resident population.
Lance Barrett-Lennard, a cetacean researcher and senior research scientist with the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, said this year's measures are largely continuations from previous years with some tweaks to accommodate the concerns of sport fishers."And I think we really need strong actions, including much, much broader fishing restrictions throughout their critical habitat."
Earlier this month, lawmakers in Washington state voted to require all boaters in their waters to stay a minimum of 1,000 yards, or 914 metres, away from southern resident whales, an increase from the current rule of 400 yards.Barrett-Lennard said he wishes the American changes were coming sooner and thinks Ottawa should match them with a 1,000-metre rule for all non-commercial vessels.
"Any potential changes to the marine mammal regulations will be based on partner and stakeholder feedback to date, as part of the consultation process to come as well as scientific advice," it said.
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