A British Columbia man has been fined $5,000 and banned from operating motorized vessels after recklessly speeding toward a pod of dolphins on a jet ski, in what officials say is the first conviction in Canada under federal marine mammal approach distance laws.Stephen Michael White was found guilty in November 2024 and sentenced on May 22, 2025, in Campbell River Provincial Court for violating Section 7(1) of the Marine Mammal Regulations. The court heard that on August 30, 2022, White deliberately approached a pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins in Broughton Strait, near Port McNeill, coming within just a few feet while filming them on his phone — far closer than the legal 100 metre minimum..The judge ruled White's actions were both negligent and reckless. In addition to the fine, he received a six-month ban from operating any motorized vessel on the water and is prohibited from posting marine mammal-related content on social media.Fisheries and Oceans Canada said the close approach likely disturbed the dolphins’ natural behaviour.As toothed whales, dolphins rely on sound for navigation, communication, and social interaction. Disruptions from boats can interfere with these essential functions and pose safety risks to both animals and people..Witnesses reported the incident to DFO’s tip line, and evidence from White’s own social media helped secure the conviction.Officials emphasized that the case reinforces the need to respect approach distances, which vary depending on the species and context. For example, vessels must stay at least 400 metres from southern resident killer whales and 200 metres from any whales, dolphins, or porpoises with calves or at rest.DFO is urging the public to report any suspected violations of the Fisheries Act or marine mammal protection rules.
