Canada's Marine Mammal Regulations

A map of Canada with points indicating marine mammal approach distances in their various locations across the country.

Image says to keep a minimum of 100 metres away from all whales, dolphins and porpoises. It’s the law.

Some whales need even more space:

• 400 metres for all killer whales in southern B.C. coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet
• 200 metres for killer whales in B.C. and the Pacific Ocean
• 50 metres in narrow parts of the Churchill Estuary, including parts of the Churchill River and Seal River
• 400 metres for threatened or endangered whales, dolphins and porpoises in the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Saguenay River
• 200 metres for all whales, dolphins and porpoises in parts of the St. Lawrence Estuary

Approaching marine mammals too quickly, coming too close, or making too much noise, can disturb, stress or even harm them.

Canada has laws in place to help protect marine mammals in our waters. Anyone breaking these laws can be charged with an offense.