B.C. Ferries has announced a schedule adjustment for the Northern Expedition route in northern B.C. to mitigate the risk of humpback whale collisions. Effective June 1, the schedule will be modified to accommodate slower travel speeds aimed at minimizing 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 fatally struck by the ferry.
The Gitga’at First Nation expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Midnight, highlighting the impact vessel traffic has on marine wildlife in their traditional territory. The fatality is part of a concerning trend of humpback whale collisions in B.C. waters, attributed to the growing presence of both whales and ships in the region.
B.C. Ferries, in collaboration with local First Nations, has been implementing reduced speeds in areas with high marine mammal activity, such as the Wright Sound special operation zone. Despite efforts to prioritize marine mammal safety, on-time arrivals in Prince Rupert have been affected, prompting the need for updated schedules.
While reduced speeds can lower the risk of strikes, senior conservation biologist Sean Brillant from the Canadian Wildlife Federation cautions that they may not entirely prevent collisions. Brillant emphasizes the importance of avoiding vessel presence in whale-populated areas and advocates for the use of restricted zones and detection technology to enhance whale protection.
The adjustments made by B.C. Ferries aim to strike a balance between maintaining schedules and safeguarding marine life, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by whale-vessel interactions.