Washington state implements a new law requiring all boaters, commercial and recreational, to maintain a 1,000-yard distance from Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW). The law aims to protect the endangered population of orcas from disturbance and potential harm caused by increased boat traffic in Puget Sound.
One of the joys of living in the Puget Sound region is seeing all the wildlife, including killer whales .“Being close to a whale is a life-changing experience. It never gets old,” John Gardiner told KOMO News.
“I think it's too far. At 1,000 yards, you will not even be able to see the whales and you're too close,” Paul Bennett told KOMO. “You know, you're going to do your best to try to look to see if you can see any of the breaches ahead of time, any of the spray coming off of them to try to keep your distance, but they can come up for sure,” Gardiner said.“I'm told are very much affected by noise. And so keeping a long way away from them makes sense to me,” Hicks said.
Watson said the new 1,000-yard buffer is a major step in reducing the impacts of vessel disturbance on SRKW behavior. If SRKW approach within 400 yards of the vessel, disengage the transmission, luff sails, or stop paddling until the animal moves awayAny operator who is closer than 1,000 yards, but not within 400 yards, should attempt to navigate out of the path and away from a Southern Resident orca at a speed of 7 knots or less.
Killer Whales Southern Resident Orcas Endangered Species Boating Regulations Puget Sound
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