BC Marine Mammal Protection Act

Killer Whales:

Maintain a minimum distance of 200 metres from all killer whales. In southern British Columbia coastal waters, including the Howe Sound, vessels must stay at least 1,000 metres away from Southern Resident killer whales.

Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses

When encountering seals, sea lions, or walruses, reduce your speed and minimize wake, wash, and noise while passing slowly without stopping. Avoid sudden changes in speed or direction and move away slowly at the first sign of disturbance. If an animal begins staring, fidgeting, or diving into the water, you are too close. Be especially cautious and quiet near haul-outs, where marine mammals come ashore, particularly during the breeding and pupping season from May to September. 

Beached Seal Pups:

If you encounter a young seal that appears to be alone, keep your distance and ensure pets remain leashed, as its mother is likely nearby. Seals often spend extended periods resting out of the water and should not be disturbed. For more information on how to responsibly observe and protect whales and other marine mammals, visit bewhalewise.org. 

How to Avoid Disturbing Marine Mammals:

In addition to maintaining the required legal distances, boaters, paddlers, and harvesters are encouraged to follow voluntary best-practice guidelines when in the presence of whales and other marine mammals.

Use binoculars to observe marine mammals from a safe distance, and move away slowly and cautiously at the first sign of any disturbance or agitation.

When fishing, stop fishing activity if marine mammals are present, but do not haul up your gear, as doing so may contribute to depredation, a learned behaviour where marine mammals associate fishing gear with food.

When watching whales, be on the lookout for blows and other indicators of whale presence, and reduce speed to under 7 knots when within 1 kilometre of whales. Do not approach whales if multiple boats are already present, and avoid approaching from the front or rear, as this can interfere with their movement. Instead, approach and depart from the side, travelling parallel to the direction of travel, and avoid sudden changes in direction or positioning your vessel in their path.

Limit viewing time to 30 minutes or less, remain on the offshore side of whales when near shore, and if a whale approaches your vessel, move away or place engines in neutral idle when it is safe to do so. Turn off echo sounders and fish finders when they are not in use, and it is safe to do so.