WA Bill Supports Orcas' Need for More Space from Boaters

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Whales are disturbed by vessel noise, but a measure in Olympia would provide a greater buffer for the endangered orcas in Puget Sound.

The legislation increases the distance that recreational boaters must maintain from Southern Resident killer whales, from 400 yards to a thousand yards. That puts the distance in line with whale-watching vehicles.

Joe Gaydos, science director of the SeaDoc Society at the University of Califonia Davis, signed a letter of support for the bill - along with other scientists and organizations. He said making distances the same for all boats would be beneficial.

"People see those big whale-watch boats, they see the name on the side," said Gaydos. "'Okay, I cannot get any closer than that boat.' Those whale-watch boats are providing a guideline for the public, who is not as educated as the whale watchers."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/wa-bill-supports-orcas-need-for-more-space-from-boaters/ar-AA17ernx

Any wild animal deserves their space. I've seen orcas on several occasions while taking the San Juan Islands ferry. Never felt I had to be up close to appreciate them.

[2naSalit]

1. Long overdue.