Reduce impacts of whalewatching on orcas!

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has just released draft rules for public comment for commercial whale watch operators that want to view southern resident orcas. The draft rules outline two proposals, yet neither one is protective enough for this highly endangered species as they still allow for viewing. More adjustments are needed to improve Option A to make a significant difference in quieting the waters and helping the orcas successfully forage, socialize and raise their babies.

Please personalize your comment letter and urge WDFW to amend Option A with more protective measures for the orca that better reflects best available science and the precautionary principle approach.

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Subject:

Comments on Draft Rules for Commercial Whale Watch Licensing Program

Dear Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW),

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the draft rules for the commercial whale watching licensing program to protect Southern resident orcas from vessels. I am grateful for the hard work, perseverance, and dedication the staff has put into this process over the past year to develop a rule that reflects the needs of the fragile and highly endangered orca population.

However, the two options being considered for the rule are not protective enough for this highly endangered species as they still allow for significant noise and disturbance from commercial whale watch operators. The rule must be based on the best available science, apply the precautionary principle, and be the most protective for the orca even if that means that the most restrictive viewing measures are adopted at this time. With proper adaptive management triggers in place, measures can be adjusted accordingly based on whether the population is recovering or not.

I support limiting the time whale-watch vessels can view a group of orcas from July 1 to September 30  to 10 am-12:00 pm and 3:00-5:00 pm,  Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in New WAC Section 220-460-120(2).

I urge WDFW to amend Option A as filed and make it more protective:

- Reducing the maximum number of whale-watching vessels with a group of orcas from 3 to 1  in New WAC Section 220-460-110. 
- Not allowing operators with a group of orcas that contains a pregnant orca in New WAC Section 220-460-110 (similar to restrictions for calves under age 1 and sick orcas).
- Explicitly not allowing viewing of groups of orcas in low visibility conditions (e.g. heavy fog) in New WAC Section 220-460-110.
- Ensuring that WDFW has a process in place for closing viewing of southern residents if there are repeated violations of the rules by operator(s) in New WAC Section 220-460-150 and associated New WAC Section 220-460-080.
- Add WDFW to New WAC section 220-460-140 Commercial whale watching compliance and reporting (4)  All motorized commercial whale watch license-holders must log accurate, complete sighting information to the Whale Report Alert System (WRAS), Soundwatch, and WDFW immediately upon entering within one-half nautical mile of a southern resident killer whale.

With new babies born over the past few months, I urge WDFW to amend Option A, as described above, and recommend it for adoption by the Fish and Wildlife Commission. These suggested adjustments to Option A will make a significant difference in quieting the waters and helping the orca successfully forage, socialize and raise healthy babies.

Regards, Your Name

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