This summer, the federal government is bringing back certain measures to protect the endangered southern resident killer whales this season. It will also add some new measures to protect endangered species. Read on to know more.
Image Credit- https://www.mmc.gov/priority-topics/species-of-concern/southern-resident-killer-whale/
Why Were the Southern Resident Killer
Whales Designated Endangered?
The Southern Resident killer whales were
designated as endangered according to the federal Species at Risk Act in 2001.
Their habitat includes the Salish Sea, and they were given this designation
when their population reduced to around 70. Some researchers believe that the loss
of chinook salmon, which is the orca's main source of food, is the key reason
for the dwindling numbers, while others think noise pollution is also a factor.
The Slowdown Areas
To protect the endangered species, the
government will place a speed limit on water vessels like boats and ships in
two areas near Swiftsure Bank at the entrance to the Salish Sea near Port
Renfrew, B.C. The vessels will need to slow down to a speed of just 10 knots to
help reduce the amount of underwater noise they produce.
Closing the Fisheries
The government also plans to close commercial
and recreational salmon fisheries in a portion of Swiftsure Bank, some sections
of the Southern Gulf Islands, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and a new area at the
mouth of the Fraser River. The exact dates of the closures will be shared in
June. For the Southern Gulf Islands, closures will begin when the first
southern resident is confirmed in the area.
Sanctuary Zones and Minimum Distances
No vessel or fishing will be allowed in two
areas, the southeast coast of Pender Island and the Southeast end of Saturna Island,
from June 1 to Nov 30, as they are important for foraging. However, there are exceptions
like emergencies and Indigenous food, social, and ceremonial fisheries.
This requirement is also for all vessels in
waters south of Campbell River and around the southern tip of Vancouver Island
just past Ucluelet to remain at least 400 meters away from all orcas.
Authorized whale-watching companies will be
allowed to get within 200 meters of a killer whale that is not a southern
resident. Still, they need to prove that their guides can identify the
difference.
Other Measures
The other measures taken by the government
include continuing the voluntary Enhancing
Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program, which aims to reduce noise
pollution and involves ongoing research by the federal government into
contaminants.
Expert Opinion
The cetacean researcher, Barret-Leonard,
believes that the measures will be effective if they are enforced.
The Penalties
Last year, the federal government handed
out penalties worth $51,500 for violating the measures.
What the Government Said?
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the
Canadian Coast Guard Joyce Murray said, "Southern resident killer whales
have called the Pacific coast home for thousands of years, and we want to see
their population grow, flourish, and return to their former abundance. Our
government has been taking significant actions to protect these majestic
creatures, and we will enhance our protection measures to help limit the
impacts of human activity in their habitats."
Sources:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/killer-whales-protection-measures-1.6440323
https://www.mapleridgenews.com/news/added-measures-return-to-protect-b-c-s-southern-resident-killer-whales/
https://bc.ctvnews.ca/feds-announce-2022-measures-to-protect-endangered-orcas-1.5883465?autoPlay=true