B.C. Ferries will adjust the schedule of its key route in northern B.C. to prevent collisions with humpback whales. Effective June 1, the Northern Expedition route connecting Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii, and Vancouver Island will be modified to account for reduced travel speed necessary to mitigate whale strikes. The decision follows a tragic incident in September 2025 when a ferry struck and killed a humpback whale.
The humpback, known as Midnight to the Gitga’at First Nation, was a cherished member of the local ecosystem. This fatality is part of a concerning trend of humpback whale strikes in B.C. waters, attributed to the rising presence of both whales and vessels in the area. The Gitga’at Nation expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the mounting pressures on marine life due to increasing vessel traffic in their traditional territory.
B.C. Ferries stated that, in collaboration with local First Nations, it has been operating at reduced speeds in areas with high marine mammal activity, such as the Wright Sound special operation area. This adjustment has affected the punctuality of arrivals in Prince Rupert, prompting the need for revised schedules. Notably, the waiting time for southbound Route 28A connections at McLoughlin Bay will be extended by approximately 50 minutes.
While reduced speeds can aid in preventing collisions, they may not completely eradicate the risk, according to Sean Brillant, a senior conservation biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Brillant highlighted the ongoing threats to whales and stressed the importance of avoiding vessel presence in whale-populated areas. Implementing restricted zones and detection technology are viewed as additional measures to mitigate the risk of vessel strikes on marine mammals.