The Vancouver Island Whale Society is calling for tighter federal regulations on whale-watching activities in the Salish Sea, citing concerns over vessel congestion, underwater noise and disturbances to marine mammals. A petition with more than 8,000 signatures proposes increasing minimum approach distances to 400 metres for most whales, limiting viewing vessels to four at a time, introducing a mandatory two-hour daily quiet period and restricting whale watching around calves and endangered populations. The Pacific Whale Watch Association, representing 28 operators, maintains that existing regulations are already comprehensive and highlights the industry’s contributions to whale monitoring, vessel safety alerts and conservation.
