New year brings new vessel distance regulations for Southern Resident Killer Whales

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

As of January 1, 2025, new distance regulations are in effect to better protect the highly endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) in Washington State waters. Boaters are now required to stay at least 1,000 yards away from these whales and disengage engines if Southern Resident Killer Whales approach within 400 yards. In Canadian waters, distance regulations remain at 400 yards/meters of all killer whales. Additionally, vessels must reduce their speed to under 7 knots within a half mile of any killer whale in the transboundary waters.

“These new rules are a significant step toward reducing the impact of vessel traffic on the Southern Residents,” said Julie Watson, Ph.D., killer whale policy lead with Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. “The science shows that Southern Resident killer whales need less underwater noise in order to successfully forage using echolocation, and the extra space provides quiet that is hard to come by during the busy Puget Sound boating season.” (FROM WDFW PRESS JUNE 2024).

Providing these whales with enough room to forage and travel is critical to their survival and recovery. The urgency to protect this struggling population of whales is again at the forefront as Tahlequah (J35) is again carrying her dead calf (J61). The plight of the Southern Residents reached a global audience in 2018 with Tahlequah’s 17-day tour of grief when she carried her dead calf for over 1000 km. Since it can be difficult to distinguish between Southern Residents and other killer whale ecotypes while on the water, all boaters are encouraged to treat any orcas they encounter as potential Southern Residents and maintain the recommended safe distance.

To further support whale conservation, follow the Be Whale Wise guidelines and stay informed about local regulations. Visit BeWhaleWise.org for up-to-date  information, including tips for responsible boating. Boaters are also encouraged to carry and use a Whale Warning Flag, signaling to others that whales are nearby. Flags can be obtained from The Whale Museum or by contacting the San Juan County Marine Resources Committee at mrc@sanjuancountywa.gov. Visit our website whaleflag.org to learn more about using the Whale Warning Flag.

Contact: Dr. Frances Robertson, Marine Project Manager, francesr@sanjuancountywa.gov, 360-375-5271 ; Katie Johnson, Marine Project Coordinator, katiej@sanjuancountywa.gov, 360-375-5863

About San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship   

San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship is responsible for solid waste, marine resources, clean water, cultural resources, and climate and sustainability work.  The department offices are located at 1609 Beaverton Valley Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship, visit www.sanjuanco.com/839/Environmental-Stewardship.