Orca habitat in BC to be protected

The Canadian federal government yesterday voted to protect the critically endangered killer whale (Orca whale) habitat off the coast of BC, and environmental groups couldn't be happier.

Canda has an act called the 'Canada Species At Risk Act', but until now the federal government has argued that the whale's habitat has been protected enough. However, Ecojustice, an environmental group, petitioned for the change and the government has now agreed.

The area in question is part of the Strait of Georgia, and runs through the Gulf Islands and up the east coast of Vancouver Island.
The government now just has to decide what measures to take to preserve the habitat. These measures could include more rules around toxic contamination of the water, regulating boat traffic and even monitoring salmon stocks.