Transport Canada is committed to the protection and conservation of endangered North Atlantic right whales (NARW). Since 2017, Transport Canada has been taking action to help protect this iconic species from vessel collisions in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a high-traffic area where right whales are often seen.
Protection measures for the North Atlantic right whale are reviewed and updated on an annual basis, in collaboration with the marine transportation and fishing industries, non-governmental organizations, academia, and other government departments.
See Transport Canada’s actions to date.
On this page
- Map: Vessel traffic management zones
- 2025 NARW protection measures
- Monitoring
- Compliance and enforcement
- 2025 Interim Order
Vessel traffic management zones
This map is for visual representation only and is not to be used for navigation or enforcement. For exact mandatory zone coordinates, consult the Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Designated zones and restrictions:
Static zones: Areas subject to a constant speed limit of 10 knots over ground to protect known whale habitats.
Seasonal management areas: Areas with specific speed regulations during peak whale presence periods.
Dynamic shipping zones: Areas monitored for whale activity. Upon detection of right whales, speed restrictions are implemented and navigational warnings are issued to mariners.
Restricted area: Area where vessel access is limited or prohibited to prevent disturbances and potential collisions.
2025 NARW protection measures
NARW protection measures are in effect in accordance with the Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Mandatory NARW protection measures
Mandatory for all vessels of 13 metres in length or more travelling within Vessel traffic management zones. Additional warnings and measures may be implemented throughout the season based on NARW activity.
See active Navigational Warnings
Static zones
Speed restriction of 10 knots over ground.
This does not apply to commercial fishing vessels in waters of less than 20 fathoms, unless NARW presence is detected.
Seasonal management areas
Speed restriction of 10 knots over ground.
Temporary speed restriction of 10 knots over the ground applied for 15 days following confirmed whale presence.
Dynamic shipping zones
Temporary speed restriction of 10 knots over the ground north & south of Anticosti Island for a period of 15 days following confirmed whale presence, or when whale surveillance is not possible.
Restricted area
Restricted access to the area implemented during period of increased whale presence.
Speed restriction of 8 knots over the ground for vessels exempt under the 2025 Interim Order.
Voluntary NARW protection measures
Vessels over 13 metres in length are asked to voluntarily slowdown or avoid other areas on the Canadian east coast to increase protection of NARW.
Cabot Strait
Request for vessels to voluntarily reduce speed to 10 knots over the ground during NARW migration season.
Roseway Basin Area
Request for vessels of 300 gross tonnage or more to avoid area when possible.
See Protecting North Atlantic right whales in the Roseway Basin.
Bay of Fundy
Request for vessels to voluntarily reduce speed to 10 knots when whales are detected near the Grand Manan Basin and the shipping lanes.
Outside Transport Canada Vessel traffic management zones
Request for vessels to voluntarily reduce speed to 10 knots over the ground when whales are detected in areas outside Vessel traffic management zones.
Gulf of St. Lawrence
Request for all vessels to voluntarily reduce speed to 10 knots over the ground from November 15 – December 31, 2025, if:
- North Atlantic right whales are detected in the area and/or;
- maritime conditions permit vessels to safely operate at this speed
Monitoring
Transport Canada monitors parts of the Gulf of St. Lawrence for North Atlantic right whale presence using both visual and acoustic detection technologies. Visual surveillance will be conducted throughout the season by trained personnel on board Transport Canada’s National Aerial Surveillance Program aircraft.
Underwater acoustic surveillance will also be conducted using underwater gliders, with North Atlantic right whale detections being reviewed and confirmed by researchers. Surveillance efforts are coordinated with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
For the most up-to-date information on North Atlantic right whale sightings and detections, visit Whale Insight.
Compliance and enforcement
Transport Canada examines all potential case of alleged non-compliance. If it is determined that a vessel failed to comply with North Atlantic right whale speed restrictions or restricted area, vessel owners could face administrative monetary penalties of up to $250,000 or be found liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to $1,000,000 and face imprisonment for a term of up to 18 months.
2025 Interim Order
The Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2025 enables the issuance of Navigational Warnings imposing speed and navigation restrictions.