Fishery Notice

The amended Marine Mammal Regulations for whale watching and approaching marine 
mammals came into effect on July 11, 2018. The regulations include a minimum 
approach distance of 200 metres for all killer whale populations in Canada's 
Pacific waters and 100 metres for other whales, dolphins and porpoises.  
 
The amended regulations clarify what it means to disturb a marine mammal, 
including: feeding, swimming or interacting with it; moving it (or 
enticing/causing it to move); separating a marine mammal from its group or 
going between it and a calf; trapping marine mammals between a vessel and the 
shore, or between boats; as well as tagging or marking it.

More information on distances tailored to particular circumstances in Canada 
are outlined in the Regulations:
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-93-56/page-1.html

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Marine Mammal Program
604-666-0071

The 24 hour toll-free phone-in line for fisheries notices is 1-866-431-3474

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0844
Sent August 23, 2018 at 1321

Return to Main Menu

Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on February 17, 2026 at 1034