B.C. Ferries is adjusting the schedule of its key route in northern B.C. to prevent collisions with humpback whales. Commencing on June 1, the Northern Expedition service between Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii, and Vancouver Island will be rescheduled to accommodate slower travel speeds aimed at reducing whale strikes. This modification follows a fatal incident in September 2025 when a humpback, known as Midnight to the Gitga’at First Nation, was struck and killed by the ferry. The Gitga’at community mourned the loss of Midnight, an integral part of the local ecosystem.
The rise in fatal humpback strikes in B.C. waters has been linked to the increasing presence of both whales and ships in the region. This unfortunate event underscores the pressing challenges that vessel traffic poses to marine life in the traditional territory of the Gitga’at Nation. Despite efforts to operate at reduced speeds in areas with high marine mammal activity, B.C. Ferries has faced punctuality issues, necessitating adjustments to the published schedules. The extended transfer wait times at McLoughlin Bay for southbound Route 28A connections will be increased by approximately 50 minutes, affecting arrival times in Port Hardy and Prince Rupert.
While reduced speeds can aid in preventing collisions, they may not entirely eliminate the risk, according to Sean Brillant, a senior conservation biologist. Brillant emphasized the importance of avoiding whale-populated areas when possible and highlighted the significance of restricted zones and detection technology in mitigating vessel strikes. The implementation of these strategies aligns with the collective goal of safeguarding marine wildlife from harmful interactions with maritime traffic.