The presence of Straitwatch on the water reduces the number of disruptions experienced by killer whales and other marine mammals on a daily basis, providing relief from potential distress and harm caused by vessels both acoustically and physically.

Cetus’s Straitwatch program is a stewardship-based marine mammal monitoring and education program which operates primarily in the southern portion of the Salish Sea, in the habitat of the critically endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKWs). Currently, the program runs out of Victoria and Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island, monitoring vessel activity and preventing disturbances to at-risk marine mammals.

Vessel traffic disturbance (both physical and acoustic) is identified by DFO as one of the three primary causes of Killer Whale endangerment. The Straitwatch program monitors all vessels around whales including both recreational and commercial vessels and ensures a safe perimeter around whales, preventing disruption and harassment. Straitwatch crews educate boaters about the risks their vessels pose to whales and ensure that they are up to date on the Marine Mammal Regulations and are aware of the Be Whale Wise guidelines. They alert mariners to the impacts they have on whales and ensure accountability for appropriate boating behaviour. These encounters enhance the public's understanding of the impact of all vessel traffic on whales and other marine mammals.

A Straitwatch vessel in the vicinity of boats and wildlife ensures a degree of public awareness and care on the water, and promotes responsible boating behaviour around marine mammals. Straitwatch stewards advocate respect for and understanding of the BC marine environment, and of the vulnerability of those species who depend on it.