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How to upload a GPX Transport Canada speed and navigation restriction zones contour file to your mobile device or plotter

This is a “how-to” guide to see the contour of Transport Canada’s mandatory speed and navigation restriction zones including the static zones, dynamic shipping zones A, B, C, D, and E, seasonal management areas 1 and 2, restricted area and voluntary seasonal slowdown in Cabot Strait.

For mobile devices

Step 1: Download a free GPX viewer app

Most mobile devices require a third-party app to open and view GPX files.

Step 2: Download the GPX file

  1. Visit Fishery notices related to North Atlantic right whales
  2. Locate the most recent Transport Canada notice
  3. Download the GPX file to your mobile device

Step 3: Import the GPX file into the app

  1. Open the GPX viewer app
  2. Locate the downloaded GPX file in your device’s storage
  3. Select the file and upload/import it into the app
  4. Verify that the prohibition contour appears correctly on the map

To use the mapping product offline, download the GPX file and upload it to the app before losing internet access.

For plotter devices

Step 1: Download the GPX file

  1. Visit Fishery notices related to North Atlantic right whales
  2. Locate the most recent Transport Canada notice
  3. Download the GPX file to your mobile device

Step 2: Transfer the GPX file to a USB drive or SD card

Most plotters require a USB drive or SD card to import GPX files.

  1. Insert a USB drive or SD card into your computer
  2. Copy the downloaded GPX file to the USB drive or SD card
  3. Safely eject the USB drive or SD card from your computer

Step 3: Upload the GPX file to the plotter

If your plotter supports direct download:

  1. Connect your plotter to the internet (if applicable)
  2. Access Transport Canada’s Fishery notices related to North Atlantic right whales directly from the plotter
  3. Download the GPX file and follow on-screen instructions to import it

If using a USB or SD card:

  1. Insert the USB drive or SD card into the plotter’s designated slot
  2. Access the plotter’s file management system
  3. Locate the GPX file and import it

Step 4: Verify the imported data

  1. Open the chart view on your plotter
  2. Verify that the speed restriction zones’ contour appears correctly on the map
  3. If the data is missing, repeat the import process or ensure the GPX file was downloaded correctly

If you experience issues loading or using this GPX file on your plotter or navigation system, please contact your plotter manufacturer’s technical support for assistance. Transport Canada is unable to provide technical support for third-party navigation systems.

Disclaimer

The GPX coordinates provided in this file are for reference and navigational assistance only. They are not the official or legally binding coordinates for regulatory or enforcement purposes. The officials and legally recognized coordinates are those published in the 2026 Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Users are responsible for verifying all coordinates with the official Notice to Fish Harvesters before relying on them for any fishing or navigation activities. Transport Canada assumes no liability for any discrepancies, errors or misuse of this GPX file. In case of discrepancy between the information in the Notice to Fish Harvesters and the Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena Glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2026, the latter will prevail. For more detailed information, please refer to Transport Canada Ship Safety Bulletin 02/2026.

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