Hello QueSeanians!
As whale migration activity picks up, are you across the seasonal and dynamic vessel restrictions that may affect your transits this summer?
A number of authorities are activating, or are about to activate, seasonal and dynamic measures aimed at protecting whale species as they migrate into critical habitats. Some are mandatory, some are voluntary, and several are triggered dynamically by whale detections, so the operational picture changes week to week. Below is a consolidated view of what is currently in force in Canada, the US, and Brazil, with the key dates of 1 June and 1 July 2026 flagged.
Canada – West Coast
The voluntary measures under the ECHO Program 2026 to protect the endangered Southern Resident killer whales start on 1 June 2026. The ECHO Program has the dual aim of reducing Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) and the risk of whale strikes.
In Swiftsure Bank, Haro Strait, and Boundary Pass, ships are encouraged to transit at or below the following speeds through the water:
- 14.5 knots STW or less for vehicle carriers, cruise ships, and container ships
- 11 knots STW for bulkers, tankers, and government vessels
Additional measures specifically for tugs are in effect in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Canada – East Coast
Gulf of St. Lawrence
Measures on the east coast have been in force since 22 April 2026. The following North Atlantic Right Whale restriction zones apply to all vessels greater than 13 metres LOA:
- Mandatory Static Zones (North and South): vessels must not exceed 10 knots over ground
- Mandatory Dynamic Shipping Zones A, B, C, D, and E: check NAVWARNs — these are updated continuously
- Mandatory Seasonal Management Areas 1 and 2: vessels must not exceed 10 knots over ground. From 1 July 2026, these will only be in force following confirmed whale detections
- Voluntary Seasonal Slowdown Area: vessels are invited to reduce speed to less than 10 knots over ground
The status of these zones is broadcast via NAVWARNs issued by the Canadian Coast Guard’s Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres, with additional context in the Notices to Mariners. The legal basis for the speed and navigation restrictions is the Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2026.
Saguenay and Upper St. Lawrence
Voluntary protective measures for the endangered beluga whale — including slowdown areas and Areas To Be Avoided (ATBA) — are in place until 31 October 2026. The Canadian Annual Notice to Mariners, Section A2, has the operational detail.
USA – East Coast
The Great South Channel Seasonal Management Area is active until 31 July 2026. This SMA, east of Massachusetts, is a mandatory 10-knot vessel speed restriction zone enacted by NOAA Fisheries to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales from lethal ship strikes.
Brazil – São Sebastião
Humpback whales frequent this region from April to November as they migrate from the Antarctic to Brazilian waters. Bryde’s whales and Southern Right whales are also occasionally encountered, although much more rarely.
The voluntary recommendations issued by Whale Guardians™ include, but are not limited to:
- An ATBA around the southwestern shore of São Sebastião Island, off Ponta da Sela, where the highest concentration of whale sightings is recorded
- A ≤10 knots speed recommendation once within 20 nm of São Sebastião Island
- A recommendation to prioritise the North Bar pilot station as port entry, where the ship’s draft allows
Some good news
The 2025–2026 North Atlantic right whale calving season (25 November 2025 – 26 April 2026) recorded 23 calves — the highest number since 2009.
This coincided with sustained protection measures along the US East Coast, including:
- Seasonal Management Areas with mandatory 10-knot speed limits during the calving season
- Enhanced aerial and vessel monitoring, combined with coordinated sightings reporting
While still below the level needed for full recovery of the species, the strong calving season is a clear signal that sustained, well-targeted mitigation works.
Useful apps for the bridge team
- IFAW Whale Alert — https://www.ifaw.org/international/campaigns/whale-alert
- DFO Whale Insight — Whale Insight | Baleine-en vue
- NOAA Right Whale Sightings Experience — Experience
References:
- NOAA Fisheries — North Atlantic Right Whale Calving Season 2026
- Transport Canada — Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2026
- Canadian Coast Guard — NAVWARNs and Annual Notices to Mariners
- Port of Vancouver — ECHO Program 2026
- BIMCO Update — Update on the upcoming seasonal measures to protect whales
Feel free to ask me for more information, or share what your vessels are seeing on the ground this season.