Marine restoration in Boundary Pass: Evaluating management strategies for conserving Canada's coastal whale populations

This research evaluates the efficacy of two strategies in Boundary Pass that are aimed at recovering British Columbia's whales—an Interim Sanctuary Zone (ISZ) and the ECHO program voluntary vessel slowdown. These strategies reduce underwater noise pollution to improve this key foraging area for whales. Between 2020 and 2021 there was a significant rise in vessel compliance in avoiding the ISZ, a region that multiple whale species use for travelling and foraging, including humpback whales, Southern Resident killer whales, Bigg's killer whales, grey whales and minke whales. With increasing vessel compliance and high use of the ISZ by whales, an increase in the size would be beneficial. During the 2021 study period (July 1-August 30), the ECHO commercial vessel slowdown in the shipping lanes adjacent to the ISZ had a participation rate of 77%. Given that there was high participation in the slowdown and that whales are present in Boundary Pass year-round, having the slowdown and the ISZ strategies implemented year-round would be beneficial in Boundary Pass.