Whales are a common sight in Prince Rupert Harbour and as traffic picks up, B.C. Ferries is making operational changes to protect marine life.
On Sept. 17, 2025 B.C. Ferries struck and killed a humpback whale known as Midnight in Gitga’at waters. Midnight could often be spotted feeding in Wright Sound, off the coast of Hartley Bay. Following the strike, Gitga’at councillor Cam Hill described the loss of Midnight as tragic.
“The whales are our relatives. A dead whale is like losing a family member, and I know I don’t like seeing pictures of dead whales. We, as Gitga’at, carry a responsibility to protect them, just as they have always sustained us. The loss of Midnight is heartbreaking, and it shows why vessel traffic must be managed with greater care in our territory.”
After the death of Midnight Gitga’at Oceans and Lands Department spokesperson Kyle Clifton called on B.C. Ferries to implement measures to protect marine life.
“Something has to be done, especially in this stretch of water during critical times of the year when whales are abundant. BC Ferries does need to take responsibility and work with communities and whale researchers to prevent future incidents. The loss of Midnight is like losing one of our own, and as a community that respects life and death, we cannot let this go unaddressed.”
This year B.C. Ferries s implementing measures to protect marine life and the company says it is beginning to alter travel to reflect longer travel times between Prince Rupert-Haida Gwaii and Prince Rupert-Port Hardy in order to prevent whale strikes.
“The most notable change is a longer transfer wait time at McLoughlin Bay for southbound Route 28A connections, increasing by about 50 minutes. Arrivals at Port Hardy and Prince Rupert will occur later than previously scheduled, but these changes do not affect onward connections.”
B.C. Ferries said in an email.
While the changes will help, they are not enough, said senior conservation biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation Sean Brillant.
“Even when they’re going at seemingly slow speeds like 10 knots, it could still be a very dangerous situation for that whale. The best solution is to not have vessels in places where there are whales. If we can detect the whales early, there is a belief we can reduce vessel strikes.”
