Shipping Federation of Canada: The voice of ocean shipping since 1903

Dear Members,

Further to CL 11771 and CL 11779, the fall portion of the voluntary slowdown to 10 knots in Cabot Strait to protect North Atlantic Right Whales will begin on September 3^rd and run until November 15^th, 2025, as stipulated by Transport Canada.

As usual, we strongly encourage members to participate in this slowdown, as this is a preventative measure to provide additional protection for these endangered whales during times when large numbers of them are expected to be migrating out of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Participation to Date:

Participation rates in this voluntary slowdown remained close to 80% in the 2025 spring slowdown, similar to the same period in 2024, as can be seen in the bar graph below (far right). Our goal is to continue this strong participation and minimize the risks ships pose to these whales.

For Distribution to Vessels:

The following resources are available to assist members in communicating these voluntary measures:

• A multi-language postcard for distribution to vessels transiting the Gulf of St. Lawrence;
• A two-page information sheet for vessel agents and operators in English and French, with further details on the slowdown;
• Hard copies of “A Mariner’s Guide to Whales” are available upon request, at no cost to members.

Transport Canada has also provided the following message that agents can send to vessel masters:

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Dear Captain,

From September 3 to November 15, Transport Canada is asking vessels transiting through Cabot Strait to voluntarily slow down to 10 knots or less over the ground, when safe to do so, to help reduce the risk of a collision with North Atlantic right whales, which are transiting through the area in greater numbers at this time of year. You are invited to review the attached Cabot Strait information sheet and postcard.

Please also note that additional mandatory speed restrictions apply in other areas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. For more information, see Transport Canada Ship Safety Bulletin 04/2025 and Navigational Warnings. The Transport Canada’s webpage also provides general information on the 2025 vessel traffic management measures to protect North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Thank you for your continued collaboration to protect this iconic species.

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Please contact Miako Ushio (Director, Environmental Affairs, mushio@shipfed.ca) with any questions.

Sincerely,

Nathan Phillips,
Operations Analyst