State finds Southern Resident killer whales are ‘vulnerable’

OLYMPIA – With numerous whales in poor body condition and several pregnancies reported, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife issued an emergency order June 30 requiring commercial whale-watching vessels to keep at least one-half nautical mile away from endangered Southern Resident killer whales this summer. All boaters are urged to Be Whale Wise and do the same.

The emergency rule designates the whales in poor body condition and whales likely to still be in the latter stages of pregnancy as “vulnerable.” The designation offers the whales extra space and further protection as part of the Department’s Commercial Whale Watching Licensing Program.

The restrictions are in effect ahead of the July-September season when commercial viewing of Southern Resident orcas is otherwise permitted daily during certain hours.

All boaters are strongly encouraged to follow these increased restrictions and to treat any killer whales as endangered Southern Resident killer whales, especially when unsure if one of the vulnerable whales is nearby.

Boaters’ adherence to Be Whale Wise guidance is especially important due to the established connection between boats and the whales’ foraging success, the high rate of failed pregnancies among Southern Residents in recent years and the small number of breeding females in the population.

Washington law requires vessels to stay at least 300 yards from Southern Resident killer whales and at least 400 yards out of the path in front of and behind the whales. Vessels must also reduce their speed to seven knots within one-half nautical mile of Southern Residents.

The new designation does not affect commercial whale watching of other, healthier populations such as Bigg’s killer whales, humpback whales, gray whales, or any other whale species currently in the area, which comprise most whale-watching opportunities in Washington. These tours are available year-round.

Source: WDFW