To reduce the impacts of commercial shipping on at-risk whales in key areas of critical habitat, the port authority-led Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program is coordinating three voluntary on-water initiatives off the southern coast of B.C. in collaboration with government agencies, Indigenous communities, the marine transportation industry, and environmental groups.
Southern resident killer whales are listed as endangered in Canada and the United States. Both countries have identified underwater noise from ships as one of the key threats to killer whales, due to its interference with their ability to hunt, navigate and communicate via echolocation.
Since 2017, thousands of ship operators have participated in the initiatives and successfully reduced underwater sound intensity from commercial ships by up to half in key southern resident killer whale foraging areas.
Participation rates will be monitored using Automatic Identification System data and will be reported throughout the initiative via the ECHO Program’s bi-weekly newsletter.
Thank you to the commercial shipping industry for your participation in these efforts to reduce threats to at-risk whales.
Haro Strait and Boundary Pass voluntary ship slowdown
Status: Inactive
Active June 1 - November 30
Swiftsure Bank voluntary ship slowdown
Status: Inactive
Active June 1 - October 31
Strait of Juan de Fuca voluntary route alteration for tugs
Status: Inactive
Active June 1 - October 31
Swiftsure Bank voluntary ship slowdown
Date: June 1 – October 31
Ships transiting through the inbound and outbound shipping lanes at Swiftsure Bank are asked to voluntarily slow down to the target speeds listed below, when safe and operationally feasible to do so.
NEW IN 2025: The slowdown area (in blue) has been extended by approximately five nautical miles west of the end of the traffic separation scheme (in pink). Please refer to the map above.
The Swiftsure Bank slowdown area overlaps with the maritime territory of Pacheedaht First Nation, the Maa-nulth Domestic Fishing Area as defined by the Maa-nulth First Nations Treaty, and the treaty-protected Usual and Accustomed Fishing Area of the Makah Tribe.
Slowdown speeds:
When safe and operationally feasible, ships are encouraged to transit through the slowdown area at or below the following speeds through the water:
- 14.5 knots speed through the water or less for vehicle carriers, cruise and container ships
- 11 knots speed through the water for bulkers, tankers and government ships
*If and when safe, these types of ships are encouraged to consider further reducing their speeds
Transiting through the Swiftsure Bank voluntary ship slowdown area at the above speeds could add between 15 and 26 minutes to the total transit time, depending on the ship type and direction, including time in the transition zones. The maximum total distance of the 2025 Swiftsure Bank voluntary ship slowdown area is 28 nautical miles.
Haro Strait and Boundary Pass voluntary ship slowdown
Date: Approximately. June 1 – November 30
The start date of the slowdown is dependent on the presence of southern resident killer whales and could begin as early as June 1. Once launched, the slowdown will remain active until November 30, unless southern resident killer whales are absent in the area for more than two weeks in the fall.
Slowdown speeds:
When safe and operationally feasible, ships are encouraged to transit the slowdown area at or below the following speeds through the water:
- 14.5 knots speed through the water or less for vehicle carriers, cruise and container ships
- 11 knots speed through the water for bulkers, tankers and government ships
Estimated transit time impacts range from 16 to 41 minutes for vehicle carriers, cruise and container ships, and 29 to 34 minutes for bulkers, tankers and government vessels, including time in transition zones.
Pilotage reimbursements available
This year, Transport Canada will offer select pilotage reimbursements for participating vessels depending on the vessel type:
- For bulker and tanker vessels, additional pilotage fees for excess time over eight hours
- For vehicle carriers, cruise ships and container vessels, additional pilotage slippage costs
Please see the Transport Canada reimbursement FAQ for more information or email [email protected].
Strait of Juan de Fuca voluntary route alteration for tugs
Date: June 1 – October 31
Route alteration details:
When navigationally safe to do so, position tug to enter either:
- the inbound route alteration zone, which is 1,500 m wide and occurs in the area between 123° 52.3532' W 48° 18.6222' N and 124° 31.5563' W 48° 28.8886' N
- the outbound shipping lane
Tugboats are encouraged to participate whether or not they are towing a barge.
The inbound route alteration zone is positioned 1,000 metres north of the traffic separation scheme (TSS) to provide a safety buffer. Maintain sufficient closest point of approach with any other vessel traffic. Participation does not relieve operators of their obligations under collision regulations, or to take precautions given the circumstances of the case. Any directions from Vessel Traffic Service supersede those of the route alteration.
Learn more about the ECHO Program.
Sign up for the ECHO Program’s bi-weekly newsletter.
Questions? Email [email protected].