B.C. Ferries is adjusting the schedule of its key route in northern B.C. to avoid collisions with humpback whales. Effective June 1, the Northern Expedition service connecting Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii, and Vancouver Island will be modified to accommodate slower travel speeds aimed at reducing whale strikes. This decision follows a tragic incident in September 2025 when a humpback whale, known as Midnight to the Gitga’at First Nation, was struck and killed by a ferry. The Gitga’at community mourned the loss of Midnight, emphasizing the impact on the local ecosystem.
The recent fatality adds to a series of humpback whale strikes in B.C. waters, attributed to the growing presence of both whales and vessels in the area. B.C. Ferries has been implementing reduced speeds in areas with significant marine mammal activity, such as the Wright Sound special operation area off B.C.’s North Coast. However, this adjustment has led to frequent delays in arrivals at Prince Rupert, prompting the need for updated schedules.
While decreased speeds can help mitigate the risk of collisions, they are not a foolproof solution, according to Sean Brillant, a senior conservation biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Brillant emphasizes the importance of avoiding whale-populated areas altogether and stresses the benefits of restricted zones and detection technology in preventing vessel strikes.
In response to the ongoing challenge of protecting marine wildlife, B.C. Ferries continues to collaborate with local First Nations and conservation experts to enhance safety measures and minimize the impact of vessel traffic on whales in the region.