The federal government is once again putting measures in place to protect southern resident killer whales in B.C. waters.

The federal government is once again putting measures in place to protect southern resident killer whales in B.C. waters.

All vessels will be restricted to 10 knots in two new seasonal slowdown areas near Swiftsure Bank between June 1 and Nov. 30. 

Vessels will once again be required to keep a 400-metre distance from all orcas in southern B.C. waters between Campbell River and Ucluelet, including Barkley and Howe Sound. That will be in place until May 31, 2023. If a whale approaches a vessel, boaters should place their engine in neutral and wait for the animal to pass.

Transport Canada said southern resident killer whale tours won’t be promoted after a renewed agreement with whale watching and ecotourism companies.