The federal government is taking feedback on its proposed 2022 recovery measures until March 2

To assist you with the survey, we have drafted suggested answers to the questions. Please add anything else you see fit. The survey is 23 questions and will take less than 10 minutes. It is okay to leave some answers blank.

Suggested answers to technical questions

Question 1 Do you expect the area-based fishing closure measures to benefit or impact you or your group/organization economically, environmentally, culturally and/or socially?

Yes. I anticipate benefits from the closures. Fishing closures will help recover a healthy population of SRKWs in the Salish Sea. Recovered killer whales will have economic, ecological, social and cultural benefits and leave a legacy for future generations. I also gain peace of mind knowing that reducing the threats to SRKW are not just my personal priorities, they are priorities shared by the federal government.

Question 2 Size/Location: Which one of these options do you support?

Option 2C

Is there anything you would recommend to improve this option with respect to their design and/or implementation?

Yes. The closures in Swiftsure Bank /Option 2C need to include all of the shoreline of Area 21-0, as well as 121-1 and part of 121-2.

Should additional areas be considered?

Yes. The Juan de Fuca closures in Option 1B need to be expanded east of Sooke to include more SRKW important use areas identified by DFO.

Question 3 Size/Location: Which one of these options do you support?

Option C

Question 4 Timing: Which one of these options do you support?

Trigger Option B

Should additional closure protocol modifications be considered?

Yes. Triggered start dates should begin earlier than May 1, when Southern Residents may already be in the Salish Sea.

Question 5 Size/Location: Which one of these options do you support?

Option B

Is there anything you would recommend to improve this option with respect to their design and/or implementation (such as a corridor along the shore that would be left open for fishing)?

Yes. No corridor along the shore should be left open for fishing

Should additional areas be considered?

Yes. Expand the closure to the south and west to capture a higher proportion of SRKW importance use areas identified by DFO, including all of area 29-6, and expansion of areas 29-4 and 29-3

Question 6 Do you support the proposed placement of the two new ISZs?

Yes. Swiftsure Bank is a critical foraging area.

Should alternative locations be considered?

Yes. The polygon should extend to intersect with the large vessel slowdown lane in the hatched area.

Question 7 Do you support the proposed speed limitation?

Yes. Reduced speed lowers noise. Less noise benefits foraging whales.

Should alternative speeds be considered?

Yes. Implement an inbound and outbound vessel speed of 11 knots max.

Question 8 Exemptions: Consideration is being given to using similar safety exemptions as those for the existing Interim Sanctuary Zones. Do you support the use of similar exemptions?

Yes. I support accommodations for safety.

Question 9 Temporal application would be the same as that of the existing three Interim Sanctuary Zones, in effect from June 1st, 2022 to November 30th, 2022. Do you support using a similar temporal application?

Yes. These zones reduce interference and help foraging and feeding.

Are there any changes that you would recommend for 2022?

Yes. The dates need to begin earlier in the year. May 1^st at the latest.

Question 10 Size/Location: Do you support [amending the Northwest corner of the Pender sanctuary]?

Yes. It’s a practical amendment.

Should an alternative approach be considered?

Yes. Strict speed limits of 5 knots.

Question 11 Exemptions: No changes for 2022 are being considered at this time. Are there any changes that you would recommend for 2022?

Question 12 Temporal application Are there any changes that you would recommend for 2022?

Yes. The sanctuary should be permanent and year-round.

Question 13 Size/Location: No changes for 2022 are being considered at this time. Are there any changes that you would recommend for 2022?

Question 14 Exemptions: No changes for 2022 are being considered at this time. Are there any changes that you would recommend for 2022? [We have none]

Question 15 Temporal application: No changes for 2022 are being considered at this time. Are there any changes that you would recommend for 2022?

Yes. The sanctuary should be permanent and year round.

Question 16 Is there anything you would recommend to improve this measure with respect to its design and/or implementation? [We have none]

Question 17 Are there any changes that you would recommend for the 2022 season? [We have none]

Question 18 Do you expect the voluntary fishing avoidance zone to benefit or impact you or your group/organization economically, environmentally, culturally and/or socially?

Yes. It will benefit the whales, and their recovery will bring economic, environmental, cultural and social benefits.

Question 19 Is there anything you would recommend to improve this option with respect to their design and/or implementation?

Yes. Improved enforcement and monitoring.

Question 20 Have the measures put in place to address key threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales, benefited you or your group/organization economically, environmentally, culturally and/or socially?

Yes. These measures are furthering the recovery of Southern Residents. Their health and presence bring personal, community and regional benefits that will last into the future.

Question 21 Have the measures put in place to address key threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales, impacted you or your group/organization economically, environmentally, culturally and/or socially? In particular, do you or your organization have other ideas that could be explored to minimize threats to Killer Whales?

(This is a personal question)

Question 22 How can we improve education and outreach efforts on the management measures to support increased awareness and compliance?

(This is a personal question)

Question 23 Anything further you would like to add or comment on?

The federal government has taken important steps to reduce threats to SRKW within their critical habitat since 2018. Please keep improving on these measures until this population is recovered. Please also ensure that the health, seasonal distribution and foraging activities of the population are monitored every year.
Add any other recommendations.