B.C. Ferries has announced adjustments to the schedule of its key route in northern B.C. to prevent collisions with humpback whales. Effective June 1, the Northern Expedition service connecting Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii, and Vancouver Island will operate at a slower pace to lessen the risk of striking whales, according to a B.C. Ferries representative.
This decision follows a tragic incident in September 2025 when a humpback whale, known as Midnight to the Gitga’at First Nation, was fatally struck by a ferry. Midnight was a familiar sight in the local waters and played a vital role in the ecosystem.
The unfortunate event is part of a concerning trend of fatal humpback whale collisions in B.C. waters, attributed to the rising presence of both whales and vessels in the area. The Gitga’at Nation expressed sorrow over Midnight’s loss and highlighted the mounting pressure that vessel traffic poses to marine life in their traditional territories.
Acknowledging the challenge, B.C. Ferries stated that it has been implementing reduced speeds in regions with a high concentration of marine mammals, such as the Wright Sound special operation area on B.C.’s North Coast. Despite efforts to prioritize marine mammal safety, the ferry’s punctuality in Prince Rupert has been affected, prompting the need for revised schedules.
While reduced speeds can mitigate the risk of collisions, Sean Brillant, a senior conservation biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, cautioned that this measure may not entirely eliminate the threat. Brillant emphasized the importance of avoiding whale-populated areas and utilizing detection technology to enhance whale protection and reduce vessel strikes.