Ship slowdown begins early to better protect endangered whales off B.C.’s coast

Press Release

Mar 2, 2026

Vancouver, B.C.: The ECHO Program has launched a new ship slowdown trial in Haro Strait and Boundary Pass, aiming to better protect endangered southern resident killer whales when they are present in the area.

A recent study conducted by the Orca Behavior Institute in collaboration with the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) found that March is one of the peak months of southern resident killer whale presence in Haro Strait and Boundary Pass. The new slowdown trial aims to reduce underwater noise from commercial shipping —as the whales rely on sound to communicate, navigate, and hunt.

The one-month ship slowdown initiative in March adds to the Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program’s voluntary seasonal measures in place from June through November, which includes slowdowns in Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, and Swiftsure Bank, as well as a route alteration for tugboats in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

This year marks the tenth season the marine transportation industry has participated in the ECHO Program’s voluntary initiatives to reduce underwater noise in key sections of critical habitat for southern resident killer whales.

In previous years, the ECHO Program’s threat reduction measures have reduced underwater noise from commercial vessels — a key threat to at-risk whales — by up to half. Research also shows that slowdowns can reduce the risk of whale strikes by up to nearly a third and cut air emissions by about a quarter.

Since its launch in 2014, the ECHO Program has been one of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s key efforts to enable Canada’s trade through the Port of Vancouver while protecting the environment. More than 70 marine transportation organizations plan to participate in the ECHO Program’s measures this year by slowing down or moving away from key areas of whale habitat. The program encourages voluntary participation and coordinates efforts with federal partners, Indigenous communities, the marine transportation industry, and environmental organizations.

Quotes

“Over the last ten years, the ECHO Program has continually adapted its initiatives to reflect the latest research on where southern resident killer whales live and how we can mitigate threats from shipping,” said Jennifer Natland, vice president of properties and environment at the port authority. “By starting voluntary slowdowns earlier in the year, we affirm our commitment to taking action when and where it will make the greatest difference for the whales.”

“The Southern Resident killer whale is an iconic species whose recovery relies on strong, sustained partnerships between government, Indigenous communities, industry, and local communities,” said the Honourable Steven McKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. “We support the ECHO Program’s collaborative efforts to reduce underwater vessel noise, which helps create a quieter ocean environment and supports the recovery of this endangered species.

“Cruise Lines International Association is a strong supporter of the partnership of the Conservation Agreement and ECHO Program, recognizing the importance of the voluntary initiatives and collaborative measures to protect the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales”, said Donna Spalding, Cruise Lines International Association.

“We’re pleased to continue our strong support for these voluntary slowdowns for endangered Southern Resident killer whales. The ECHO Program demonstrates how diverse interests and co-users of Canada’s waterways can work together to develop constructive solutions,” said Miako Ushio, Director, Environmental Affairs, Shipping Federation of Canada.

“Our members are proud supporters of the ECHO Program, reaffirming their dedication to practical measures that deliver tangible benefits for whales while keeping trade moving responsibly”, said Bonnie Gee, President, Chamber of Shipping.
Quick facts

• The ECHO Program is trialing a new Haro Strait and Boundary Pass voluntary ship slowdown in March — earlier than previous years — then pausing briefly and resuming from June to November, with exact start and end dates dependent on presence of southern resident killer whales.
• Slowing vessels can reduce underwater noise — a key threat to southern resident killer whales — by up to 50% while also lowering the risk of ship strikes.
• This is the tenth season of the ECHO Program’s voluntary initiatives to reduce underwater noise for southern resident killer whales.
• A recent study found that southern resident killer whales use Haro Strait and Boundary Pass in the spring, as well as in the summer and fall.
• Additional seasonal measures run from June 1 to October 31, including the Swiftsure Bank voluntary slowdown and a voluntary tug route alteration in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
• In 2025 cumulative participation reached 85%, representing more than 5,300 slower or more distanced ship transits through key southern resident killer whale critical habitat by over 80 marine transportation organizations.
• Since 2017, more than 33,000 vessel transits have participated in ECHO Program slowdowns and route measures.

For information

• Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program
• ECHO Program’s 2026 voluntary slowdowns and route alteration for commercial ships
• List of participating marine transportation organizations
• Whale presence trends in Haro Strait and Boundary Pass 2017-2023 study

Media contact

Sarah Matak
Senior communications advisor
phone_android604.649.7805
mailSarah.Matak@portvancouver.com

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