August 30, 2024

TIAC therefore urges Fisheries and Oceans Canada to consider approach distance amendments to the existing Marine Mammal Regulations in British Columbia for Southern Resident killer whales only, and to maintain the current 200 metre approach distance for all other Pacific killer whales (i.e. [...] 2 Question 2 - As part of the amendment process, the Government of Canada is seeking input on the use of the term ‘approach distances’ under the Marine Mammal Regulations. [...] As part of the transition to longer-term regulatory amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations, the Government of Canada is seeking comments or considerations on the continuation of specified conditions for different Pacific killer whales (Southern Residents vs non-Southern Resident Killer Whales) and/or ocean users (e.g., commercial whale watchers/ecotourism companies) under the Marine Mammal Re. [...] Question 6: Do you have any other comments or considerations you would like to share with the Government of Canada regarding potential amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations? In weighing potential amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations, TIAC urges Fisheries and Oceans Canada to consider the important role that BC's whale watching operators embody as stewards of eco-tourism, wildlife educ. [...] In addition to our own brief, TIAC strongly encourages Fisheries and Oceans Canada to consider the well-informed responses and recommendations submitted by the Pacific Whale Watch Association and the Tourism Industry Association of BC.