On this page
- North Atlantic right whale habitat
- Area to be avoided
- Implementation
- Informing mariners
- Several measures in place
North Atlantic right whale habitat
The Roseway Basin, located approximately 20 nautical miles south of Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, is a critical habitat for North Atlantic right whales, which have been observed to gather in the area on a seasonal basis in Canadian waters. This critical habitat is also located near key shipping routes. The Roseway Basin is a known feeding and socializing habitat for this endangered species.
Area to be avoided
In 2007, with the support of many groups with varied interests, Canada proposed to the International Maritime Organization the establishment of a seasonal Area to be Avoided (ATBA) in the Roseway Basin to protect North Atlantic right whales. The proposal was accepted and adopted, and in April 2008 the seasonal ATBA was officially established. It has been in effect each year from June 1 until December 31 since then. The ATBA is designed to have little impact on ships passing through the area while making it safer for right whales and supporting their recovery.
Implementation
To reduce the risk of vessels colliding with North Atlantic right whales, it is recommended that vessels of 300 gross tonnages and more, in transit during the period of June 1 through December 31, avoid the Roseway Basin area.
In addition to this designated ATBA for larger vessels, smaller vessels are also encouraged to avoid passage through this area. If passage is necessary within the ATBA, it is recommended that all mariners decrease their vessel speed to no more than 10 knots, when safe to do so.
Informing mariners
Notices to Mariners (PDF, 17.5 MB) Transport Canada’s Ship Safety Bulletin (titled Protecting the North Atlantic right whale: speed restriction measures in the Gulf of St. Lawrence) are issued every year to advise mariners of the Roseway Basin’s designation as an ATBA.
Several measures in place
The Roseway Basin’s seasonal ATBA designation is one of several measures Canada has put in place to protect North Atlantic right whales.