Beginning June 1, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s (VFPA) ECHO Program will launch its ninth season of voluntary vessel slowdowns to reduce the impact of commercial shipping on at-risk whales off BC’s south coast. Where safe and feasible, bulkers, tankers, and government vessels are encouraged to travel at 11 knots or less, while vehicle carriers, cruise ships, and container ships are asked to maintain speeds of 14.5 knots or less. The slowdown at Swiftsure Bank will run from June 1 to October 31, 2025. The Haro Strait and Boundary Pass voluntary vessel slowdown may begin as early as June 1 based on the presence of Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) and could extend until November 30. Learn more about the ECHO Program here.
