Remember that seasonal measures are coming into force in Canada shortly with measures already in place in the US and Brazil to protect whale species as they migrate to critical habitats.
As whales migrate into critical habitats, authorities are activating seasonal and dynamic measures that can affect how ships transit certain areas. Check what applies on your routes – especially as new measures start from 1 June and others shift from 1 July.
Canada- West Coast
On the Eastern coast of Canada, voluntary measures introduced as part of the ECHO Program 2026 to protect the endangered Southern Resident killer whales will start on 1 June this year. The ECHO Program has the dual goal of minimising Underwater Radiated Noise and reducing whale strikes.
For Swiftsure Bank, the Haro Strait and Boundary Pass ships are encouraged to transit through the slowdown area at, or below the following speeds through the water:
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14.5 knots speed through the water or less for vehicle carriers, cruise and container ships
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11 knots speed through the water for bulkers, tankers and government ships.
Other measures specifically for tugs are also in effect in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Canada- East Coast
Saint Lawrence
Measures on the eastern coast of Canada have been in place since 22 April. The following North Atlantic Right Whale restriction zones are in effect for all vessels greater than 13 metres in length overall:
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Mandatory Static Zones North and South: Vessels must not exceed 10 knots over ground
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Mandatory Dynamic Shipping Zones A, B, C, D, and E: check Navigational Warnings (NAVWARNS) as these are constantly being updated
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Mandatory Seasonal Management Areas 1 and 2: Vessels must not exceed 10 knots over ground. From 1 July these will only be in force following whale detections
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Voluntary Seasonal Slowdown: Vessels are kindly invited to reduce their speed less than 10 knots over ground.
The status of these zones is broadcasted through NAVWARNs, which are published by the Coast Guard’s Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres and additional details are available in Notice to Mariners.
The Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2026 enables the issuance of NAVWARNs imposing speed and navigation restrictions.
Saguenay and Upper Saint Lawrence
Voluntary protective measures for the endangered beluga whale including slowdown areas and Areas To be Avoided (ABTA) have are in place until 31 October. We recommend you check the Canadian Annual Notice to Mariners, A2 section, for further information available here Annual Notices to Mariners
USA- East Coast
The Great South Channel Seasonal Management Area is active until 31 July.
Brazil, São Sebastião
Humpback whales frequent this region from April to November as they migrate from the Antarctic to the warm waters of Brazil. Brydes' whales and Southern Right whales may also be encountered but are much rarer.
The voluntary recommendations issued by Whale Guardians™ include but are not limited to:
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An ABTA around the Southwestern shore of São Sebastião Island, off Ponta da Sela where the highest whale sightings are recorded
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a ≤10 knots speed recommendation once 20nmm from São Sebastião Island
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and to prioritise the North Bar pilot station as entry to port if the ship's draft allows.
And finally some good news
The 2025–2026 North Atlantic right whale calving season which ran from November 25 to April 26 recorded 23 calves, the highest number since 2009.
This positive outcome coincided with key protection measures along the US East Coast, including:
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Seasonal Management Areas with mandatory vessel speed limits (10 knots) during calving season to reduce collision risk
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Enhanced aerial and vessel monitoring and coordinated reporting of whale sightings.
While still below the level needed for recovery, the strong calving season highlights the importance of sustained and effective mitigation measures to support population growth.
More information
We encourage you to use the BIMCO whale resource (member login required) to keep up to date with all whale measures. Other useful resources include the Whale Alert app for iPad, iPhone, and Android or Whale Insight which provide for real time updates on Slow Zones, SMAs, and other right whale sightings and the Whale Atlas which provides digitised whale conservation zones and protection measures relevant to shipping.
