Right Whale Protections in Gulf

Summary#

The government issued the Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2025 under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. It temporarily limits vessel speeds and can close a specific area in the Gulf to reduce the risk of ship strikes and other harm to right whales. The order was made on April 16, 2025 and is set to be repealed 30 days after it comes into force (so effectively until about May 16, 2025).

What it does#

• Applies to vessels longer than 13 m (measured hull-to-hull).
• Sets a general speed limit of 10 knots over ground inside:
  • defined “static zones”,
  • “dynamic shipping zones” when a whale is detected or a navigational warning is issued,
  • and “seasonal management areas.”
• Creates a “restricted area” where navigation can be prohibited when whale presence or whale deaths/injuries increase. If navigation is allowed for certain vessels in that area, they must travel at no more than 8 knots over ground.
• Gives the Minister of Transport the power to ask the Canadian Coast Guard to broadcast navigational warnings that turn these measures on or off, based on whale detections or reports.
• Includes a buffer around dynamic zones that extends 5 nautical miles to the south and 2.5 nautical miles to the east and west.
• Exempts some vessels from certain rules, for example:
  • vessels in distress and those providing assistance,
  • government vessels on law enforcement or search-and-rescue duties,
  • commercial fishing vessels in shallow waters (but those fishers must slow to 10 knots if a whale is detected in waters 36.57 m deep or less).
• If Canada cannot carry out whale detection for 7 days, the Minister can require a speed limit in a dynamic zone until detection resumes.
• Limits triggered by detections or reports generally last 15 days, with rules for extending that period when new detections occur.
• Allows temporary suspension of speed limits or closures for marine safety because of weather, until conditions improve.

Who's affected#

• Commercial shipping companies and mariners operating in the Gulf of St. Lawrence — especially vessels over 13 m in length.
• Fishing vessels and harvesters — many are treated differently (some exemptions exist), but they may need to slow down after whale detections in shallow waters.
• Ferry operators, cruise and cargo vessels that operate in the defined zones.
• Research vessels, government boats, and responders — some have exemptions but may be subject to lower speed limits (for example, 8 knots in the restricted area).
• People and communities that depend on timely marine transport or fishing may notice changes to schedules or operations.
• The rules are triggered by whale detections and navigational warnings from the Canadian Coast Guard and by notices from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Why it matters#

• North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered. Slowing or rerouting vessels reduces the chance of fatal ship strikes and disturbance.
• The order is short-term and reactive: restrictions kick in when whales are seen or when detection capability is interrupted. That means shipping and fishing can change at short notice.
• Mariners need to watch for navigational warnings (NAVWARNs) from the Canadian Coast Guard and notices to fish harvesters from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans so they can comply immediately.
• Because the measure is an interim order for 30 days, it is temporary — but it signals government action to protect whales and may lead to longer-term rules if further measures are judged necessary.