B.C. Ferries is adjusting the schedule of its Northern Expedition route in northern B.C. to prevent collisions with humpback whales. The changes, effective June 1, accommodate the slower travel pace required to minimize whale strikes, according to a B.C. Ferries representative.
This alteration 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 the ferry. Midnight was a cherished regular in the local ecosystem. This fatality is part of a concerning trend in B.C. waters, with an uptick in both humpback whales and vessel traffic leading to more collisions.
The Gitga’at Nation expressed sorrow over the loss, highlighting the mounting pressure of vessel traffic on marine life in their traditional territory. The community mourns Midnight’s passing, emphasizing the deep connection they have with the local waters and wildlife.
B.C. Ferries mentioned that they have been adhering to reduced speeds in areas with significant marine mammal activity, such as the Wright Sound special operation zone off B.C.’s North Coast. However, due to the slower speeds, on-time arrivals in Prince Rupert have only been achieved 30% of the time, necessitating adjustments to the schedules.
One significant change includes an extended wait time at McLoughlin Bay for southbound Route 28A connections, resulting in a 50-minute increase. While reduced speeds can help mitigate whale strikes, Sean Brillant, a senior conservation biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, cautioned that they may not eradicate the issue entirely. Brillant emphasized the importance of avoiding vessel-whale overlap zones and utilizing detection technologies to enhance whale protection.