April 01, 2026
The Government of Canada continues to implement measures to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales in close consultation with industry and announced the fishery and vessel management measures for the 2026 season.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) continues to implement strong measures to address the threat of fishing gear entanglements, including adaptive fishery closure protocols that apply wherever and whenever North Atlantic right whales are detected.
Beginning April 22, Transport Canada will implement its North Atlantic right whale vessel traffic protection measures in the Gulf of St. Lawrence for the tenth consecutive year, aiming to reduce the risk of ship strikes.
As in previous years since 2020, a mandatory 10-knot speed limit, covering over 65,000 sq km, will apply to all vessels 13 metres and longer throughout much of the Gulf, along with dynamic slowdowns in the main shipping lanes when a North Atlantic right whale is detected.
The voluntary slowdown in the Cabot Strait will also return, taking effect between April 22 and June 30 and from September 2 to November 15 - maintaining the three-week fall period extension introduced in 2025.
In the Bay of Fundy, Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will continue to encourage vessels to slow down when North Atlantic right whales are detected near the Grand Manan Basin and shipping lanes.