from the Office of
Representative Rick Larsen
Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today announced that the federal government will spend more than $900,000 to protect Southern Resident Killer whales in the Puget Sound. Larsen actively supported the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife’s application for the grant, including by sending a letter of support to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in June.
“Southern Resident Killer Whales are an inseparable part of the Puget Sound’s cultural, economic and ecological makeup,” Larsen said. “This grant will put a cop on the beat to protect these endangered whales as they continue their recovery.”
The $924,961 federal grant will be combined with more than $300,000 in state funds to enforce NOAA rules to protect the endangered whales issued in 2011. The funding will go in part to hiring an enforcement officer to conduct regular Killer Whale protection patrols and investigate violations. The grant will also support outreach and education efforts and statistical evaluation of the effectiveness of the Southern Resident Killer Whale recovery plan.
For more information on the grant, visit: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/
This is very good news! An enforcement officer
Yeah, for Rick Larsen and his help and support in securing this grant. So, we will have an enforcement officer to conduct patrols and investigate violators. And more protection for our Southern Resident whales and a recovery plan! Yes!