B.C. Ferries is adjusting the schedule of its key route in northern B.C. starting June 1 to prevent collisions with humpback whales. The Northern Expedition, linking Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii, and Vancouver Island, will operate at a slower pace to minimize the risk of whale strikes, according to a B.C. Ferries representative.
The alteration comes in response to a tragic incident in September 2025 when a humpback whale, identified by the Gitga’at First Nation as Midnight, was fatally struck by the ferry. Midnight was a familiar presence in the local ecosystem and a cherished visitor to the region’s waters.
This unfortunate event is part of a concerning trend of humpback whale fatalities in B.C. waters, attributed to the rising number of both whales and vessels in the area. The Gitga’at Nation expressed sorrow over the loss of Midnight, highlighting the mounting threats that vessel traffic poses to marine life in their traditional territories.
To address the issue, B.C. Ferries has been adhering to reduced speeds in zones with significant marine mammal activity, such as the Wright Sound special operation area off B.C.’s North Coast. Despite these efforts, the ferry’s punctuality for arrivals in Prince Rupert has been impacted, prompting necessary adjustments to the published timetables.
While slower speeds can aid in mitigating whale strikes, they may not entirely eliminate the risk, as noted by Sean Brillant, a senior conservation biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Brillant emphasized the importance of avoiding whale-populated areas and utilizing detection technology to enhance safety measures and reduce the likelihood of vessel-whale collisions.
The ongoing efforts to safeguard marine life underscore the shared responsibility of preserving the delicate balance between human activities and the natural environment.