Urgent Concern – Whale Collision Incident in Kitsilano Waters & Enforcement of Marine Mammal Protections

  Urgent Concern – Whale Collision Incident in Kitsilano Waters & Enforcement of Marine Mammal Protections

Dear Fisheries and Oceans Canada / Transport Canada / Office of the Member of Parliament,

I am writing as a concerned resident of Vancouver regarding a reported incident in the Kitsilano waters involving a jetski and a whale.

While full details are still being confirmed, the situation highlights an ongoing and serious issue: increasing risk to marine mammals in heavily used urban waters due to high-speed recreational activity.

These waters are shared habitat for whales, including transient and endangered species, and they are also heavily used for boating, paddleboarding, and tourism. This makes strict enforcement of marine mammal protection laws essential, not optional.

Under Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations and the Species at Risk Act, clear rules already exist, including:

• Minimum 100m distance from most whales
• 400m distance from Southern Resident Killer Whales
• Prohibition on harassment, pursuit, or disturbance
• Requirement to operate vessels responsibly and at safe speeds

Despite this, incidents of close approaches and reckless operation continue to be reported in the Vancouver area.

If a collision has occurred, I urge your agencies to:

1. Conduct a full and transparent investigation
2. Apply the strongest appropriate penalties under the Fisheries Act and related legislation
3. Publicly clarify the outcome to reinforce deterrence
4. Increase visible enforcement presence in Kitsilano and surrounding waters
5. Expand education and signage for recreational water users, especially jetskis and rental operators

These animals are not obstacles in a recreational zone — they are sentient wildlife already under pressure from noise, vessel traffic, and habitat disruption. A single moment of negligence can cause severe injury or death.

Public confidence depends on consistent enforcement and meaningful consequences when violations occur.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I would appreciate confirmation that this incident is being formally investigated.

Sincerely,
Tina Winterlik 

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#Vancouver #Kitsilano #WhaleSafety #ProtectOurOceans #MarineMammals #DFO #BoatingSafety #RespectWildlife #OceanConservation #StopTheHarm