*505/23Canadian Hydrographic Service – Magnetic Declination Calculations

(Recurrent publication of notice *505/23, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 05/2023 publication.)

Mariners are advised that CHS has adopted the harmonized World Magnetic Model (WMM), as found on the NCEI/NOAA website. Old compass rose declination information on CHS navigational products can be updated using this website: https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/calculators/magcalc.shtml#declination. While the differences in the model declinations are small each year, they can become more significant over a large period of time.

*1207/23Canadian Hydrographic Service – Inappropriate Geographical Names Review Process

(Recurrent publication of notice *1207/23, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 12/2023 publication.)

The records of the Canadian Hydrographic Service could contain geographical names that may be considered inappropriate, offensive and derogatory. Geographical naming authorities are in the process of addressing many offensive place names, the review process is underway. For more information, about inappropriate geographical names, please see the following announcement. 

*401/26Protecting the North Atlantic Right Whale: Speed Restriction Measures in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

(Recurrent publication of notice *401/26, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 04/2026 publication.)

Purpose

This notice describes the speed and navigational restriction zones that vessels must follow in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The Government of Canada has established these zones to reduce the risk of vessels colliding with North Atlantic right whales (NARW).

Background

Due to changing migration patterns of NARW and their increased presence in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Government of Canada has set seasonal speed restrictions in specific zones. These speed restrictions zones are defined as “static zones”, “dynamic shipping zones”, “seasonal management areas”, a “voluntary seasonal slowdown zone” and a “restricted area”. See the map below for details.

Note: Vessels must follow Navigational Warnings outlining the speed restrictions. The Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena Glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2026, enables the issuance of Navigational Warnings (NAVWARNs) imposing speed restrictions and navigation restrictions.

Speed restriction zones are described in monthly Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs), which are published by the Canadian Coast Guard. The status of these zones is broadcast through NAVWARNs, which are published by the Coast Guard’s Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres.

Speed restriction zones and measures

The speed restriction zones will be effective from April 22, 2026, while the restricted area will be implemented based on whale presence.
Please check the latest NAVWARN for all speed restrictions currently in effect.

Speed Restriction Measures for 2026

These restrictions are in effect from April 22 to November 15, 2026.

Non-application

The measures described in this bulletin do not apply to:
a)a vessel in distress or providing assistance to a person or a vessel in distress;
b)a government vessel being used

(i)for law enforcement activities;

(ii)for search and rescue operations; or

(iii)to ensure the competency of the crew or the operational readiness of the vessel or crew with respect to such activities or operations.

Static zones

In the static zones, all vessels above 13.0 m in length overall (LOA) must proceed at a speed of not more than 10.0 knots over the ground.

Exclusions

Air cushion vessels operated by or on behalf of the Government of Canada that are engaged in ice-clearing activities from April to June in and around Chaleur Bay are exempted when in operation.

36.57 m (20-fathoms) shallow water protocol exclusion

Vessels engaged in any commercial fishing activity may proceed at a safe operational speed in waters not more than 36.57 m (20 fathom) deep within the static zones.

If a NAVWARN states that at least one North Atlantic right whale has been detected in waters within a static zone or its buffer zone that are not more than 36.57 m deep, the speed limit of 10.0 knots over the ground will apply in the concerned zone(s) to all vessels engaged in commercial fishing activities above 13.0 m in length overall (LOA). The speed restriction will be in effect for 15 days after the day on which the whale was detected. In the event of a new North Atlantic right whale detection occurring in the last 7 days of the 15-day slowdown period, the speed restriction will be extended for an additional 15 days from the date of the new detection. This would continue until no North Atlantic right whales are detected. The buffer zones associated with the static zones are located 5 nautical miles north and south of their adjacent border in waters less than 36.57 m deep. 

Dynamic shipping zones

There are five dynamic shipping zones (DSZ) located in the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) north and south of Anticosti Island: A, B, C, D and E.

Speed restrictions in the dynamic shipping zones

When a North Atlantic right whale is detected in a dynamic shipping zone or in the buffer zones, located 5 nautical miles south or 2.5 nautical miles from the eastern and western edges of the dynamic shipping zones:

•All vessels will be notified via a NAVWARN; and

•Vessels above 13.0 m in length overall (LOA) must proceed at a speed of not more than 10.0 knots over the ground within that zone.

When a NAVWARN is issued implementing a speed restriction in one or more dynamic shipping zone(s), vessels above 13.0 m in length (LOA) must not exceed a speed of 10.0 knots over the ground. Even though dynamic shipping zones overlap with static zones, vessels can travel at a safe operational speed in dynamic shipping zones when they are not under speed restriction. Mariners are encouraged to take into consideration the potential for their vessel striking North Atlantic right whales when considering a safe operational speed during navigation.

The speed restriction in the dynamic shipping zone(s) will be in effect for 15 days from the date of detection. In the event of a new North Atlantic right whale detection occurring in the last 7 days of the 15-day slowdown period, the speed restriction will be extended for an additional 15 days from the date of the new detection. This would continue until no NARW are detected. When a speed restriction is extended due to a new North Atlantic right whale detection, it should be noted that, contrary to previous years’ operations, no new NAVWARN will be issued. The initial NAVWARN will remain in place until a NAVWARN lifting the speed restriction is published.

Coordinates for the dynamic shipping zones:

Seasonal management areas

Seasonal management area 1 (SMA-1) and seasonal management area 2 (SMA-2) are speed restriction areas located north and south of dynamic shipping zone E, respectively.
Within seasonal management areas, vessels above 13.0 m in length (LOA):

•Must restrict their speed so as not to exceed 10.0 knots over the ground from April 22 to June 30, 2026; and

•Are allowed to proceed at a safe operational speed from July 1 to November 15, 2026, unless a North Atlantic right whale is detected. If a whale is detected, a speed restriction of 10.0 knots over the ground will be triggered for 15 days from the date of detection. In the event of a new North Atlantic right whale detection occurring in the last 7 days of the 15-day slowdown period, the speed restriction will be extended for an additional 15 days from the date of the new detection. This would continue until no North Atlantic right whales are detected.

Restricted area

In the summer months, an important proportion of the total North Atlantic right whale population gathers for feeding and surface activity near the Shediac Valley. Since this makes the North Atlantic right whale more susceptible to vessel collisions, a mandatory restricted area will be implemented in and near the Shediac Valley and will come into force once 80% of the restricted area is closed to fishing for the season as per the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ (DFO) right whale closure protocol, or at the latest on June 15, 2026. The restricted area will be lifted on September 25, 2026, unless North Atlantic right whale detections are reported in high number, which would extend the restricted area beyond September 25.

The size and location of the area are determined based on historical detection data of North Atlantic right whales. All necessary details can be found in the Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena Glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2026. Triggering and lifting of the restricted area will be communicated to mariners through NAVWARNs and notices to fish harvesters.

Vessels above 13.0 m in length (LOA) will be required to:

•Avoid the area unless they are part of the exceptions listed in the Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena Glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2026;

•Transit the area at a speed not exceeding 8.0 knots over the ground if they are part of the exceptions.

The following exceptions will apply to the restricted area. The following listed vessels can travel through the area at not more than 8.0 knots over the ground:

•A vessel being used for commercial fishing;
•A vessel being used for fishing under the authority of a licence issued under the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licences Regulations;
•A vessel being used for research purposes on behalf of the Government of Canada
•A vessel involved in research relating to right whales as part of a project that has received funding from the Government of Canada;
•A vessel being used as part of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Marine Mammal Response Program to assist a marine mammal or sea turtle in distress or to access or retrieve a deceased marine mammal or sea turtle;
•A vessel authorized by the Government of Canada to retrieve or identify the location of abandoned or lost fishing gear;
•A vessel involved in pollution response operations;
•A vessel avoiding immediate or unforeseen danger; or

•A vessel being used to conduct the maintenance or repair of underwater communication cables.

The following vessels can travel through the restricted area at a speed over 8.0 knots, but below 10.0 knots over the ground as required by the static speed restriction zone:

•A vessel being used by an employee of the Government of Canada or peace officer who is performing their duties.

Coordinates for the restricted area:

•48°31.8’ N 063°39.6’ W
•48°24.72’ N 063°17.88’ W
•47°18.84’ N 064°10.8’ W
•47°27.18’ N 064°30.72’ W

Report of death or injury

In the event that at least one North Atlantic right whale is reported dead or injured in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in a zone or area where there is no NAVWARN in effect, a speed restriction of 10.0 knots over the ground for vessels above 13.0 m in length overall (LOA) will be implemented in the concerned zone(s) or area(s) for 15 days from the time the NAVWARN comes into effect.

Inclement weather exception

Mariners will be notified in advance via a NAVWARN should the speed restriction status change in any zone or area, due to inclement weather.

Within any zone or area that is no longer subject to a speed restriction due to adverse weather conditions, mariners may proceed at a safe operational speed, but are encouraged to take into consideration the potential for their vessel striking North Atlantic right whales when determining that speed during navigation.

*Non-excepted vessels are still prohibited from transiting through the restricted area.

Voluntary seasonal slowdown in Cabot Strait

To coincide with the North Atlantic right whales entering and exiting the Gulf of St. Lawrence in large numbers, a voluntary seasonal slowdown is being put in place in Cabot Strait from April 22 to June 30, 2026, and from September 2 to November 15, 2026.

•During these periods, vessels above 13 m in length (LOA) are requested to voluntarily reduce their speed so as to not exceed 10.0 knots over the ground.

Voluntary seasonal slowdown zone coordinates:

•48° 10.5’ N 061° 00’ W
•47° 37.2’ N 059° 18.5’ W
•47° 02’ N 060° 23.7’ W
•47° 58.1’ N 061° 03.5’ W
•48° 00’ N 061° 00’ W

Map of the Gulf of St. Lawrence

The map below provides a visual representation of the main zones mentioned. It must not be used for navigation or law enforcement purposes.

•Static zones (north and south), in pink;
•Dynamic shipping zones (A, B, C, D and E), in green;
•Seasonal management areas, in dark pink;
•Voluntary seasonal slowdown zone, in grey;
•Restricted area, in dark blue; and
•36.57 m (20 fathoms) DFO shallow water protocol line.

Roseway Basin – Area to be Avoided

The Roseway Basin, located approximately 20 nautical miles south of Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, is a critical habitat for North Atlantic right whales, which have been observed to gather in the area on a seasonal basis in Canadian waters. This critical habitat is also located near key shipping routes. In 2007, Canada, with the support of many groups with varied interests, proposed to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) the establishment of a seasonal Area to be Avoided in the Roseway Basin to protect North Atlantic right whales, which IMO accepted and adopted.

To reduce the risk of vessels colliding with North Atlantic right whales, it is recommended that vessels of 300 gross tonnages and more, in transit during the period of June 1 through December 31, avoid the Roseway Basin area. Smaller vessels are also encouraged to avoid passage through this area. If passage is necessary within the Area to be Avoided, it is recommended that all mariners decrease their vessel speed to no more than 10 knots, when safe to do so.

Roseway Basin coordinates:

•43° 16’ N 064° 55’ W
•42° 47’ N 064° 59’ W
•42° 39’ N 065° 31’ W
•42° 52’ N 066° 05’ W

Bay of Fundy – Voluntary Slowdown

The Grand Manan Basin located in the Bay of Fundy is identified as a critical habitat for the North Atlantic right whale. When North Atlantic right whales are detected in the Bay of Fundy shipping lanes and near the Grand Manan Basin area (see sectors 1 and 2 on Canadian Coast Guard’s map), the Bay of Fundy Vessel Traffic Services will ask vessels to voluntarily slowdown to 10 knots via VHF channel 12 or 14 at corresponding Calling-in-Points.

This map is for visual representation only and is not to be used for navigation or enforcement.

NAVWARN broadcasts

The Canadian Coast Guard’s Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres (MCTS) issue NAVWARNs:

•By radio broadcast: for marine radio, Continuous Marine Broadcast frequencies and scheduled broadcast times, information may be found in the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation publication; and

•Online: at Canada’s Maritime Information Portal and its Navigational Warnings site, using the North Atlantic Right Whale search term or category.

Mariners must ensure they have accurate and up-to-date information about the protection of the North Atlantic right whale, as in all applicable NOTMARs and NAVWARNs.

Outbound vessels will receive NAVWARNs

•at Calling-in-Point 10 (St-Laurent); or

•upon a departure downstream from the Quebec pilot station (including the Saguenay River, Chaleur Bay, Miramichi Bay, etc.).

Inbound vessels will receive NAVWARNs

•when a clearance to enter Canadian waters is granted.

Vessels in transit will receive NAVWARNs

•at the last reporting point prior to entering the mandatory speed restriction zones;

•vessels in transit will confirm they have received NAVWARNs.

MCTS Centres will broadcast NAVWARNs continuously throughout the season on Continuous Marine Broadcast.

It should be noted that, contrary to previous years’ operations, reminders sent to vessels in transit 10 nautical miles before entering a speed restriction zone will no longer be transmitted.

Vessel operators are required to monitor broadcasts by the Canadian Coast Guard’s Marine Communications and Traffic Services network for the most up to date information.

Aids to navigation

The Canadian Coast Guard broadcasts virtual Automatic Identification System (AIS) aids to navigation (AIS AtoN) in specific areas. These aids may notify mariners of dynamic shipping zones and/or seasonal management areas subject to speed restrictions.
Each zone is delimited by four to six virtual AIS AtoN, which can be displayed on a ship’s navigation equipment, such as

•Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS);

•Electronic Chart System (ECS);
•Radar;
•Minimum Keyboard Display (MKD).

The Canadian Coast Guard broadcasts the virtual AIS AtoN only when a speed restriction is in effect in one or more zones.

Mariners must select the virtual AIS AtoN symbol to view a message such as “SectA1 Spd Lim 10 kt.” This message refers to a speed restriction in effect for a specific zone.

Note: This system is not the primary method of communicating this information.

Compliance and enforcement

Vessels must comply with the Interim Orders made pursuant to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, and any NAVWARNs broadcasted and published by the Canadian Coast Guard relating to the Interim Orders, aimed at regulating the navigation for the purposes of protecting the North Atlantic right whales.

If a vessel does not comply with the Interim Orders or instructions in the NAVWARNs related to the Interim Orders, the vessel could face:

•administrative monetary penalties up to a maximum of CAN $250,000; and/or

•penal sanctions under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than CAN $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.

If a vessel appears to have violated the speed restriction, Transport Canada Marine Safety inspectors will review all information provided through AIS and seek an explanation from the master.

No exemptions to the speed restriction will be granted in advance. However, if a deviation from the speed restrictions is necessary for safety reasons, the following information must be entered into the bridge logbook:

•reason(s) for deviation;

•speed at which vessel is operated;
•latitude and longitude at time of deviation;
•time and duration of deviation; and

•master of the vessel shall sign and date the bridge logbook entry.

For any deviation, Transport Canada will review and consider reasons such as:

•navigating to ensure vessel safety;
•weather conditions;
•force majeure (unforeseeable circumstances); and

•responding to emergencies.

Report a North Atlantic right whale sighting

If you see live, free-swimming whales:

•Email: DFO.GLFWhales-BaleinesGLF.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

•When reporting sightings of North Atlantic right whales, you must include: GPS location (latitude and longitude), date and time of sighting, number of marine mammals, photograph(s)/video(s) collected and if possible, behavior of marine mammals observed (ex., feeding, travelling, diving).

Sightings of entangled, injured or dead North Atlantic right whale

If you see a North Atlantic right whale (and all other marine mammals) entangled, injured or dead, please document and report it immediately to the regional Response Network.

•When documenting you should collect: GPS location (latitude and longitude), date and time of sighting, number of marine mammals, photograph(s)/video(s), and description of the incident to provide to the Response Network.

Southern part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island)

Marine Animal Response Society

Telephone: 1-866-567-6277

Newfoundland and Labrador

Whale Release and Strandings Newfoundland and Labrador (Tangly Whales Inc.)

Telephone: 1-888-895-3003 or 1-709-895-3003

Quebec

Réseau québécois d’urgences pour les mammifères marins (RQUMM)

Telephone: 1-877-722-5346

Report a marine mammal or sea turtle incident or sighting:

For more information on reporting other marine mammal or sea turtle sighting and incidents.
Please consult Whale Insight for the latest right whale observations.

*406/26Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park - Beluga Whale Protection: Slowdown Area at the Mouth of the Saguenay Fjord and Area Closure at Baie Sainte-Marguerite

(Recurrent publication of notice *406/26, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 04/2026 publication.)

The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park and its surrounding area are at the heart of endangered beluga whale critical summer habitat. Marine mammal protection measures have been put in place in accordance with the Marine Activities in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations within the limits of the Marine Park.

However, important feeding, calving and rearing areas for beluga whales require greater protection to ensure the recovery of the species. The portion of the Saguenay situated between the mouth of the Fjord and Baie Sainte-Marguerite is one of the areas most used by females and their young from May to October. The mouth of the Saguenay is known as a feeding ground and Baie Sainte-Marguerite as a calving and rearing area.

In order to prevent collisions with beluga whales, a compulsory 15-knot slowdown area is in effect from May 1^st to October 31^st at the mouth of the Saguenay. To ensure tranquility for female belugas and their young during the critical calving period, access to Baie Sainte-Marguerite is prohibited to all vessels from June 21^st to September 21^st, except for special authorizations (see description below).

For safety reasons, the slowdown area measure at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord does not apply to cargo ships (see the monthly edition of Notice to Mariners from May to October for voluntary protection measures in the St. Lawrence Estuary). An enhanced vigilance is, however, recommended to all navigators between the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord and Baie Sainte-Marguerite for the protection of beluga whales.

For more information on the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, see notice 5C of the Notices to Mariners Annual Edition 2026 or visit the Saguenay‒St. Lawrence Marine Park website.

REGULATORY PROTECTION MEASURES — BELUGA WHALE

Entire Marine Park Territory:

•When beluga whales are less than half a nautical mile (926 metres) from a motorized vessel, the vessel must maintain a steady speed of between 5 and 10 knots.
•All vessels, including human-powered vessels (kayaks and canoes), must continue to move forward and maintain their heading.

•All vessels must maintain a minimum distance of 400 metres from beluga whales at all times.

For more information concerning the regulations, consult the ʺNavigateʺ section of the
Saguenay‒St. Lawrence Marine Park website.

Mouth of the Saguenay Fjord (Figure 1) — Slowdown Area (area crosshatched in red):

•Maximum speed at the mouth of the Saguenay between buoys S7 and S8 and the ferry docks between Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac is 15 knots from May 1^st to October 31^st.

Baie Sainte-Marguerite (Figure 2) — Area Closure (red area):

•From June 21^st to September 21^st, vessels must not enter the red area, which follows a line between Cap Nord-Ouest and Cap Sainte-Marguerite.

•Special authorizations are granted only for kayaks, canoes and recreational fishermen who must travel without stopping along a corridor within 10 metres of the shore or in shallow areas.

VOLUNTARY PROTECTION MEASURES
Baie Sainte-Marguerite sector (Figure 2) — Transit Area (area crosshatched in yellow):

•From June 21^st to September 21^st, navigation in this area is recommended at a speed of between 5 and 10 knots without stopping.

The purpose of this transit area is to favour respect of the Marine Activities in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations, since beluga whales are often present in the Baie Sainte-Marguerite sector.

INFORMATION

All incidents, including collisions with whales, must be reported without delay by calling 1-866-508-9888. For any other situation concerning a marine mammal that is either dead or in trouble, contact the Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network at 1-877-722-5346, or use VHF channel 16.

Figure 1

Figure 2

*407/26Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park and Surrounding Waters – Whale Protection

(Recurrent publication of notice *407/26, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 04/2026 publication.)

The waters in and around the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park are well known for the resident endangered beluga population and the wide diversity of whales that migrate there to feed, particularly between April and November.

Regulatory protection measures

All whale species that are found in the St. Lawrence are protected under the Marine Mammal Regulations, pursuant to the Fisheries Act. Within the boundaries of the Marine Park, specific measures are set out in the Marine Activities in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations, pursuant to the establishment of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Act. Any collision with a marine mammal within the Marine Park must immediately be reported to a park warden at 1-866-508-9888. For collisions that occur outside the Marine Park or for any situation involving a marine mammal that is dead or in trouble, contact the emergency network at 1-877-722-5346 or on VHF channel 16.

For more information on the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, see notice 5C of the Notices to Mariners Annual Edition 2026.

Voluntary protection measures

Provisional measures in effect from May 1 to October 31, 2026. See map at the end of this notice.

These measures apply to merchant vessels and cruise ships between Pointe à Boisvert and Cap de la Tête au Chien to prevent collisions with whales. These measures should only be taken when they will not jeopardize navigational safety.

Caution area (yellow area): To reduce the risk of collisions with whales that can be present anywhere in this area, heightened vigilance of navigators is critical. Posting a lookout is recommended in order to increase the chances of seeing the whales and thus taking necessary measures to avoid them. If bypassing the whales is not possible, slow down and wait for the animals to move away to a distance greater than 400 metres (0.215 nautical miles) before resuming original speed. It is more difficult to see the animals at night therefore increased caution is recommended.

Slow down to 10 knots or less area (red area): To reduce the risk of collisions with whales in this feeding area, it is recommended that vessels slow down to a maximum speed through the water of 10 knots and post a lookout. It is further recommended to remain in the Laurentian Channel to the north of Île Rouge to minimize the impact of noise in a sensitive area south of this island, which is highly frequented by herds of beluga whales composed of females and young.

Area to be avoided (hatched red area): To reduce noise and the risk of collisions with whales, vessels should avoid transiting through this area which is highly frequented by blue whales, an endangered species. If the area cannot be avoided, slow down to a speed through the water of 10 knots or less.

*501/26Canadian Hydrographic Service – Nautical Charts

*502/26Canadian Hydrographic Service – Electronic Navigational Charts

*503/26Canadian Hydrographic Service – Raster Digital Charts (BSB V3)

*504/26Transport Canada - Ship Safety Bulletin #05/2026

A new Ship Safety Bulletin has recently been posted on the Transport Canada website.

To view or download this bulletin, please click on the link below:

SSB#05/2026 – The Marine Safety Management System Regulations Second Anniversary

Sign up for e-Bulletin to receive an e-mail notice each time a new Ship Safety Bulletin is published on our website.

Contact us at marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca or 1-855-859-3123 (Toll Free).

*506/26Canadian Coast Guard Publication - Amendments to the Notices to Mariners Annual Edition 2026 - Section A2, Notice 5: General Guidelines for Aquatic Species at Risk and Important Marine Mammal Areas

Several amendments have been made throughout Notice 5, General Guidelines for Aquatic Species at Risk and Important Marine Mammal Areas.
The latest version of this notice is available on the Notices to Mariners website.

*507/26Canadian Coast Guard Publication - Amendments to the Notices to Mariners Annual Edition 2026 - Section A2, Notice 5A: General Requirements for Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas and Fisheries Act Marine Refuges

Starting at page 31:
AMEND AS FOLLOWS:

Regulatory Protection Measures for Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Areas

•Pursuant to the Oceans Act, the Regulations set out a general prohibition within the boundaries of the Marine Protected Areas, prohibiting any activities that will or are likely to disturb, damage, destroy or remove any living marine organism or any part of its habitat from the areas. Any accident within the Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Areas must be reported within two hours after its occurrence, to the Canadian Coast Guard.

Other Requirements Applying in the Area

oIn the spirit of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, it is forbidden for ships to approach the traditional marine mammal harvest grounds, or to approach marine mammals unless they are directly associated with the traditional harvest of these animals. Information regarding the traditional harvest can be gained from the community Hunters and Trappers Committees: Aklavik HTC aklavikahtc@gmail.com, hunteraklavik@gmail.com, (867) 978-2723; Inuvik HTC, inuvikhtc@hotmail.com, (867) 777-2478; Tuktoyaktuk HTC, tuk.htc@outlook.com, (867) 340-0057 or the Fisheries Joint Management Committee (fjmc-rp@jointsec.nt.ca).
oFor marine wildlife sightings and incidents such as collisions that occur outside the Marine Protected Areas or for any situation involving a marine mammal that is dead or in trouble, contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Inuvik office at (867) 777-7500.

oAs per the Marine Mammal Regulations (2018), pursuant to the Fisheries Act, reporting of accidental contact with marine mammals is required.

ADD AS FOLLOWS:

These voluntary measures are secondary to rights under the Inuvialuit Final Agreement.

Starting at page 35:
AMEND AS FOLLOWS:

Regulatory Requirements for Vessels Operating in the Anguniaqvia Niqiqyuam Marine Protected Areas

See Section 5A - General Regulatory Requirements for all Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas.

Regulatory Protection Measures for Anguniaqvia Niqiqyuam Marine Protected Areas

•Pursuant to the Oceans Act, the Regulations set out a general prohibition within the boundaries of the Marine Protected Areas prohibiting any activities that will or are likely to disturb, damage, destroy or remove any living marine organism or any part of its habitat from the areas. Any accident within the Anguniaqvia Niqiqyuam Marine Protected Areas should be reported within two hours after its occurrence, to the Canadian Coast Guard.

Other Requirement for the Marine Protected Areas

oIn the spirit of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, it is forbidden for ships to approach the traditional marine mammal harvest grounds, or to approach marine mammals unless they are directly associated with the traditional harvest of these animals. Information regarding the traditional harvest can be gained from Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee: paulatukhtc@gmail.com, (867) 580-3004, or the Fisheries Joint Management Committee (fjmc-rp@jointsec.nt.ca).

oFor marine wildlife sightings and incidents such as collisions that occur outside the MPAs or for any situation involving a marine mammal that is dead or in trouble, contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Inuvik office at (867) 777-7500.

oAs per the Marine Mammal Regulations (2018), pursuant to the Fisheries Act, reporting of accidental contact with marine mammals is required.

ADD AS FOLLOWS:

These voluntary measures are secondary to rights under the Inuvialuit Final Agreement.

*508/26Sorel-Tracy à/to Otterburn-Park – Private Buoys Repositioned

Reference chart: 1350

The following private buoys have been repositioned to the following coordinates:

(Q2026-023, 024)

*509/26Belleville Harbour – Unlit Buoys Permanently Changed

Reference chart: 2011

The following unlit buoys have been changed permanently:

(B2026-010, 014 to 016)

Section 1A: Temporary and Preliminary Notices

Reminder – Comment Period for Active Preliminary Notices

No notices applicable for this edition.

No notices applicable for this edition.

No notices applicable for this edition.

*510(T)/26Batiscan au/to Lac Saint-Pierre – Works: Construction Operations

Reference chart: 1313
Construction operations taking place until August 30, 2026 at wharf 16 and 17. Barges on site.
Minimum wake requested.

(NW-C-1477-26)

*511(T)/26Charlottetown Harbour – Marine Works

Reference chart: 4460
Bridge work underway on the Hillsborough Bridge between Charlottetown and Stratford since May 18, 2026. Temporary work platforms are installed underneath the road deck. Passage of vessels is not restricted.

(NW-M-0590-26)

*512/26Batiscan au/to Lac Saint-Pierre – Diving Operations Completed

Reference: Notice 1119(T)/24 is cancelled (Chart 1313).
The diving operations taking place in Port of Trois-Rivières at wharf 17 are completed.

*513/26St. Marys Bay – Wreck Charted

Reference: Notice 509(T)/23 is cancelled (Chart 4118).

The sunken 30 by 90 feet barge with 500 feet of tow line has been charted on chart 4118.

No notices applicable for this edition.

*514(T)/26Lake Superior – Waterway Information: Shallow Depth Reported

Reference chart: N/A
Due to low water levels and possible silting, shallower depths are reported within the launch ramp area at the Harmony Bay Small Craft Harbour. Caution.

(NW-C-2073-25)

*515/26Port of Thunder Bay – Obstruction Charted

Reference: Notice 815(T)/24 is cancelled (Chart 2314).

Lost anchor and chain have been charted on ENC CA573253.

No notices applicable for this edition.

No notices applicable for this edition.

Arctic Region

*516(P)/26Coronation Gulf Western Portion/Partie Ouest – Daybeacon to be Discontinued

Reference chart: 7777

The Canadian Coast Guard proposes to permanently discontinue the following aid to navigation:

Initial publication date: Friday, May 29, 2026
Comment submission deadline: Thursday, August 27, 2026

(A2026-001)

*517(P)/26Coronation Gulf Eastern Portion/Partie Est – Daybeacons to be Discontinued

Reference chart: 7778

The Canadian Coast Guard proposes to permanently discontinue the following aids to navigation:

Initial publication date: Friday, May 29, 2026
Comment submission deadline: Thursday, August 27, 2026

(A2026-002, 003, 004)