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, are aimed at reducing the risk of whale strikes after a humpback named Midnight was tragically hit and killed by the ferry in September 2025. The Gitga’at First Nation mourned the loss of Midnight, emphasizing the importance of these marine mammals to the local ecosystem.
To address the issue, B.C. Ferries has been operating at reduced speeds in areas with high marine mammal presence, such as the Wright Sound special operation area off B.C.’s North Coast. Despite this, the ferry operator noted that scheduled arrivals in Prince Rupert have been on time only 30% of the time, necessitating updates to the timetables. Notably, there will be a longer wait time at McLoughlin Bay for southbound Route 28A connections, with arrivals at Port Hardy and Prince Rupert occurring later than previously scheduled.
While lower speeds can help mitigate whale strikes, they may not completely eliminate the risk, according to Sean Brillant, a senior conservation biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Brillant emphasized the importance of avoiding vessel presence in whale-populated areas and highlighted the benefits of restricted zones and detection technology in reducing the likelihood of collisions.
Efforts to safeguard humpback whales from vessel strikes continue to evolve, with the hope that early detection measures can contribute to a safer coexistence between marine traffic and these majestic creatures.