2024 Traffic management measures to protect North Atlantic right whales in Canada
Transport Canada (TC) – April 17, 2024 – This notice to fish harvesters is issued in accordance with the 2024 traffic management measures, as previously announced by Transport Canada, to protect North Atlantic right whales (NARW) in Canada.
Due to changing migration patterns of North Atlantic right whales and their increased presence in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Government of Canada has established seasonal speed restrictions in specific zones. These speed restriction zones are defined as "static zones", "dynamic shipping zones", "seasonal management areas", a "voluntary seasonal slowdown zone", and a "restricted area". See the map below for details.
Note: Vessels must follow Navigational Warnings outlining the speed restrictions. The Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena Glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2024 enables the issuance of Navigational Warnings (NAVWARNs) imposing speed restrictions or navigation restrictions.
Speed restriction zones are described in monthly Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs), which are published by the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). The status of these zones is broadcasted through NAVWARNs, which is published by the CCG's Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) Centres.
Please refer to the latest NAVWARN issued by the CCG-MCTS for all speed restrictions currently in effect.
Speed restriction measures for 2024
These restrictions will be in effect from April 17 to November 15, 2024.
Exemptions
The following exemptions will apply to all measures:
- A vessel in distress or providing assistance to a person or vessel in distress
- A government vessel being used
- for law enforcement activities
- for search and rescue operations
- to ensure the competency of the crew or the operational readiness of the vessel or crew with respect to such activities or operations
Static zones
In the static zones, all vessels above 13 m in length overall must proceed at a speed of not more than 10.0 knots over the ground.
Exceptions
Air cushion vessels operated by or on behalf of the Government of Canada that are engaged in ice-clearing activities from April to June in and around Chaleur Bay are exempted when in operation.
36.57 m (20-fathom) shallow water protocol
- Vessels engaged in any commercial fishing activity may proceed at a safe operational speed in waters not more than 36.57 m (20 fathom) deep within the static zones
- If a notice to fish harvesters states that at least one right whale has been detected within a static zone in waters that are less than 36.57 m deep, the 10.0 knots speed limit will apply in the concerned static zone to all vessels above 13 m in length overall for 15 days after the day on which the right whale was detected
- If a new notice to fish harvesters with the same statement is published or broadcast during the last 7 days of the 15-day period, the speed limit will continue to apply for a further 15 days after the day on which the new right whale was detected
Please refer to Schedule 1 for the coordinates of the northern static zone and the southern static zone.
Dynamic shipping zones
There are 5 dynamic shipping zones (DSZ) located in the routeing systems north and south of Anticosti Island: A, B, C, D and E
When the Government of Canada detects a North Atlantic right whale in a dynamic shipping zone:
- All vessels will be notified via a NAVWARN; and
- Vessels above 13 m in length overall must proceed at a speed of not more than 10.0 knots over the ground within that zone.
Please refer to Schedule 2 for the coordinates of the dynamic shipping zones.
Speed restrictions in the dynamic shipping zones
The detection of North Atlantic right whales in 1 or more dynamic shipping zone(s), will trigger a speed restriction in the concerned zone(s). The speed restriction in the dynamic shipping zone(s) will be in effect for 15 days from the date of detection. The speed restriction may be extended for an additional 15 days from the date that a new detection occurs if North Atlantic right whales continue to be detected during the last 7 days of the 15-day slowdown period.
When a NAVWARN is issued implementing a speed restriction in 1 or more dynamic shipping zone(s), vessels above 13 m in length must not exceed a speed of 10.0 knots over the ground.
Within any zone that is not subject to a speed restriction, mariners may proceed at a safe operational speed. Mariners are encouraged to take into consideration the potential for their vessel striking North Atlantic right whales when considering a "safe operational speed" during navigation.
Seasonal management areas
Seasonal management area 1 (SMA-1) and seasonal management area 2 (SMA-2) are speed restriction areas located north and south of dynamic shipping zone E, respectively.
Within seasonal management areas, vessels above 13 m in length:
- must restrict their speed to not exceed 10.0 knots over the ground from April 17 to June 25, 2024
- are allowed to proceed at a safe operational speed from June 26th to November 15, 2024, unless a North Atlantic right whale is detected. If a right whale is detected, a speed restriction of 10.0 knots over the ground will be triggered for 15 days from the date of detection. The speed restriction will be extended for an additional 15 days from the date that a new detection occurs, if North Atlantic right whales continue to be detected during the last 7 days of the 15-day slowdown period
Please refer to Schedule 3 for the coordinates of seasonal management area 1 and 2.
Restricted area
In the summer months, an important proportion of the total North Atlantic right whale population gathers for feeding and surface activity near the Shediac Valley. Since this makes the North Atlantic right whale more susceptible to vessel collisions, a mandatory restricted area will be implemented in and near the Shediac Valley and will come into force once 80% of the restricted area is closed to fishing for the season as per the Department of Fisheries and Ocean's right whale closure protocol or at the latest June 19, 2024. The restricted area will be lifted once the North Atlantic right whale detections decrease in the restricted area or at the latest on September 25, 2024.
The size and location of the area are determined based on historical detection data of North Atlantic right whales. Triggering and lifting of the restricted area will be communicated to mariners through a NAVWARN and notice to fish harvesters.
Vessels above 13 m in length will be required to:
- avoid the area unless they are part of the exceptions listed in the Interim Order
- transit the area at a speed not exceeding 8.0 knots over the ground if they are included in the exception list
The following exceptions will apply to the restricted area. The vessels listed below can travel through the area at not more than 8.0 knots over the ground:
- A vessel being used for commercial fishing
- A vessel being used for fishing under the authority of a licence issued under the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licences Regulations
- A vessel being used for research purposes on behalf of the Government of Canada
- A vessel involved in research relating to right whales as part of a project that has received funding from the Government of Canada
- A vessel being used as part of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' Marine Mammal Response Program to assist a marine mammal or sea turtle in distress or to access or retrieve a deceased marine mammal or sea turtle
- A vessel authorized by the Government of Canada to retrieve or identify the location of abandoned or lost fishing gear
- A vessel involved in pollution response operations
- A vessel avoiding immediate or unforeseen danger
The following vessels can travel through the restricted area at a speed over 8.0 knots, but below 10.0 knots over the ground as required by the static speed restriction zone:
- A vessel being used by an employee of the Government of Canada or peace officer who is performing their duties
Please refer to Schedule 4 for the coordinates of the restricted area.
Inclement weather exception
Mariners will be notified in advance via a NAVWARN should the speed restriction status change in any zone or area, due to inclement weather.
Within any zone or area that is not subject to a speed restriction due to adverse weather conditions, mariners may proceed at a safe operational speed. Mariners are however encouraged to take into consideration the potential for their vessel striking North Atlantic right whales when considering a "safe operational speed" during navigation.
Non-excepted vessels are still prohibited from transiting through the restricted area.
Voluntary seasonal slowdown in Cabot Strait
To coincide with the North Atlantic right whales entering and exiting the Gulf of St. Lawrence in large numbers, a voluntary seasonal slowdown is being put in place in Cabot Strait from April 17 to June 25, 2024, and from September 25 to November 15, 2024.
- During these periods, vessels above 13 m in length are requested to voluntarily reduce their speed to not exceed 10.0 knots over the ground
Please refer to Schedule 5 for the coordinates of the voluntary seasonal slowdown in the Cabot Strait
Map of the Gulf of St. Lawrence
The following map shows
- the static zones, in pink
- the dynamic shipping zones, in green
- the seasonal management areas, in dark pink
- the voluntary seasonal slowdown zone, in grey
- the restricted area, in dark blue
- the DFO 36.57 m (20 fathom) shallow water protocol line, in dark blue
(The above map has no legal bearing and is provided for visual reference only.)
NAVWARN broadcasts
The CCG-MCTS issues and publishes NAVWARNs:
- by radio broadcast
- online at Canada's Maritime Information Portal and its Navigational Warnings site
Mariners must ensure they have accurate and up-to-date information about the protection of the North Atlantic right whale, as in all applicable NOTMARs and NAVWARNs.
For the North Atlantic right whale speed restriction, the NAVWARN that is currently in effect will be provided to vessels subject to the Vessel Traffic Services Zone Regulations or the Eastern Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zone Regulations:
Outbound vessels
- at Calling-in-Point 10 (St-Laurent)
- upon a departure downstream from the Quebec pilot station (including the Saguenay River, Chaleur Bay, Miramichi Bay, etc.)
Inbound vessels
- when a clearance to enter Canadian waters is granted
Vessels in transit
- at the last reporting point prior to entering the speed restriction area
- at 10 nautical miles prior to entering the speed restriction zone
For those vessels not subject to the above-mentioned regulations, vessel operators are required to monitor broadcasts by the Canadian Coast Guard's Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) network for the most up to date information. For marine radio frequencies and broadcast times, information may be found in the Radio Aids to Marine Navigationpublication.
Aids to navigation
The Canadian Coast Guard is currently testing virtual Automatic Identification System (AIS) aids to navigation (AIS AtoN) in specific areas. These aids notify mariners of a dynamic shipping zone subject to a speed restriction, per NOTMAR 819(T)/2016.
Each dynamic shipping zone is delimited by 4 virtual AIS AtoN, which can be displayed on a ship's navigation equipment, such as
- Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
- Electronic Chart System (ECS)
- RADAR
- Minimum Keyboard Display (MKD)
- Electronic Nautical Chart (ENC)
The Canadian Coast Guard broadcasts the virtual AIS AtoN only when a speed restriction is in effect in 1 or more testing zones.
Mariners must select the virtual AIS AtoN symbol to view a message such as "SectA1 Spd Lim 10 kt." This message refers to a speed restriction in effect for a specific zone.
Note: This system is not the primary way we communicate this information.
Compliance and enforcement
You must comply with the NAVWARNs broadcasted and published by the Canadian Coast Guard related to any Interim Order made pursuant to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, aimed at regulating the navigation for the purposes of protecting the North Atlantic right whales.
If you do not comply with instructions in the NAVWARNs or in the Interim Orders, you could face:
- administrative monetary penalties up to a maximum of CAN $250,000
- penal sanctions under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than CAN $1,000,000 or to imprisonment or a term of not more than 18 months, or to both
If your vessel appears to have violated the speed restriction, Transport Canada Marine Safety inspectors will review all information provided through AIS and seek an explanation from the master.
For any deviation, Transport Canada will review and consider reasons such as
- Navigating to ensure vessel safety
- Weather conditions
- Force majeure (unforeseeable circumstances)
- Responding to emergencies
Report a North Atlantic right whale sighting
If you see live, free-swimming whales:
- Email: DFO.GLFWhales-BaleinesGLF.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
- When reporting sightings of North Atlantic right whales, you must include: GPS location (latitude and longitude), date and time of sighting, number of marine mammals, photograph(s)/video(s) collected and if possible, behavior of marine mammals observed (ex., feeding, travelling, diving)
If you see a North Atlantic right whale (and all other marine mammals) entangled, injured or dead, please document and report it immediately to the regional Response Network.
- When documenting you should collect: GPS location (latitude and longitude), date and time of sighting, number of marine mammals, photograph(s)/video(s), and description of the incident to provide to the Response Network
Southern part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island
Marine Animal Response Society
Telephone: 1-866-567-6277
Newfoundland and Labrador
Whale Release and Strandings Newfoundland and Labrador (Tangly Whales Inc)
Telephone: 1-888-895-3003 or 1-709-895-3003
Quebec
Baleines en direct (GREMM)
Telephone: 1-877-722-5346
Report a marine mammal or sea turtle incident or sighting:
Please visit: Report a marine mammal or sea turtle incident or sighting
Please consult Whale Insight for the latest right whale observations:
Transport Canada Whale Coordinator
Stéphanie Talbot
TC.MSSWhales-BaleinesSSM.TC@tc.gc.ca
Schedule 1 - Coordinates of the northern and southern static zone
| Points | Position* | |
|---|---|---|
| North Latitude (N) | West Longitude (W) | |
| 1 | 50° 20' | 065° 00' |
| 2 | 49° 13' | 065° 00' |
| 3 | 48° 40' | 064° 13' |
| 4 | 48° 40' | 062° 40' |
| 5 | 48⁰ 03' | 061⁰ 07.5' |
| 6 | 47⁰ 58.1' | 061⁰ 03.5' |
| 7 | 48° 00' | 061° 00' |
| 8 | 49° 04' | 061° 00' |
| 9 | 49° 04' | 062° 00' |
| 10 | 49° 43' | 063° 00' |
| 11 | 50° 20' | 063° 00' |
| Points | Position* | |
|---|---|---|
| North Latitude (N) | West Longitude (W) | |
| 1 | 48° 40' | 065° 00' |
| 2 | 48° 40' | 062° 40' |
| 3 | 48° 03' | 061° 07,5' |
| 4 | 47° 58.1' | 061° 03,5' |
| 5 | 47° 10' | 062° 30' |
| 6 | 47° 10' | 065° 00' |
Schedule 2 - Dynamic shipping zones
| Points | Position* | |
|---|---|---|
| North Latitude (N) | West Longitude (W) | |
| Zone A | ||
| 1 | 49⁰ 41' | 065⁰ 00' |
| 2 | 49⁰ 20' | 065⁰ 00' |
| 3 | 49⁰ 11' | 064⁰ 00' |
| 4 | 49⁰ 22' | 064⁰ 00' |
| Zone B | ||
| 1 | 49⁰ 22' | 064⁰ 00' |
| 2 | 49⁰ 11' | 064⁰ 00' |
| 3 | 48⁰ 48' | 063⁰ 00' |
| 4 | 49⁰ 00' | 063⁰ 00' |
| Zone C | ||
| 1 | 49⁰ 00' | 063⁰ 00' |
| 2 | 48⁰ 48' | 063⁰ 00' |
| 3 | 48⁰ 24' | 062⁰ 00' |
| 4 | 48⁰ 35' | 062⁰ 00' |
| Zone D | ||
| 1 | 50⁰ 16' | 064⁰ 00' |
| 2 | 50⁰ 00' | 064⁰ 00' |
| 3 | 49⁰ 56' | 063⁰ 00' |
| 4 | 50⁰ 16' | 063⁰ 00' |
| Zone E | ||
| 1 | 48⁰ 35' | 062⁰ 00' |
| 2 | 48⁰ 24' | 062⁰ 00' |
| 3 | 48⁰ 03' | 061⁰ 07.5' |
| 4 | 47⁰ 58.1' | 061⁰ 03.5' |
| 5 | 48⁰ 00' | 061⁰ 00' |
| 6 | 48⁰ 10.5' | 061⁰ 00' |
Schedule 3 - Seasonal management areas
| Points | Position* | |
|---|---|---|
| North Latitude (N) | West Longitude (W) | |
| 1 | 49° 04' | 062° 00' |
| 2 | 49° 04' | 061° 00' |
| 3 | 48° 10.5' | 061° 00' |
| 4 | 48° 35' | 062° 00' |
| Points | Position* | |
|---|---|---|
| North Latitude (N) | West Longitude (W) | |
| 1 | 48° 24' | 062° 00' |
| 2 | 48° 03' | 061° 07.5' |
| 3 | 47° 58.1' | 061° 03.5' |
| 4 | 47° 26.69' | 062° 00' |
Schedule 4 - Restricted area
| Points | Position* | |
|---|---|---|
| North Latitude (N) | West Longitude (W) | |
| 1 | 48° 31.8' | 063° 39.6' |
| 2 | 48° 24.72' | 063° 17.88' |
| 3 | 47° 18.84' | 064° 10.8' |
| 4 | 47° 27.18' | 064° 30.72' |
Schedule 5 - Voluntary seasonal slowdown zone
| Points | Position* | |
|---|---|---|
| North Latitude (N) | West Longitude (W) | |
| 1 | 48° 10.5' | 061° 00' |
| 2 | 47° 37.2' | 059° 18.5' |
| 3 | 47° 02' | 060° 23.7' |
| 4 | 47° 58.1' | 061° 03.5' |
| 5 | 48° 00' | 061° 00' |
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