B.C. Ferries has announced adjustments to the schedule of one of its key routes in northern British Columbia to minimize collisions with humpback whales. Starting June 1, the Northern Expedition route, connecting Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii, and Vancouver Island, will be modified to accommodate slower travel speeds aimed at reducing the risk of whale strikes, according to a spokesperson for B.C. Ferries.
These changes come in response to a tragic incident in September 2025 when a humpback whale was struck and killed by the ferry. The Gitga’at First Nation identified the deceased humpback as Midnight, a familiar presence in the local ecosystem and a cherished visitor to their waters.
The unfortunate incident involving Midnight is part of a concerning trend of fatal humpback whale strikes in British Columbia waters, attributed to the increasing presence of both whales and vessels in the area. The Gitga’at Nation expressed sorrow over the loss of Midnight, emphasizing the mounting pressures that vessel traffic poses to marine life in their traditional territories.
While B.C. Ferries has been adhering to reduced speeds in areas with high marine mammal activity, particularly the Wright Sound special operation zone off the North Coast of British Columbia, the company acknowledged that this measure alone may not entirely eliminate the risk of collisions. Consequently, the ferry operator noted a decrease in on-time arrivals in Prince Rupert due to the adjusted speeds, prompting the need for updated schedules.
According to Sean Brillant, a senior conservation biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, while slower speeds can aid in preventing whale strikes, they may not completely eradicate the threat. Brillant highlighted the importance of avoiding vessel presence in whale-populated areas and suggested the use of restricted zones and detection technology to enhance whale protection and reduce the likelihood of strikes.
