A new law on the books in the U.S. state of Washington requires vessels to stay 1,000 yards away from endangered southern resident killer whales (SRKW).
The new law, which was passed by the state legislature in 2023 and went into effect 1 January 2025, extends the previous range of 300 yards. In passing the bill, lawmakers cited research showing that killer whales reduce their foraging behavior when vessels are present within 1,000 yards.
“Vessel noise is one of the three key threats to the southern residents, along with toxic contamination, and a lack of prey,” Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Killer Whale Policy Lead Julie Watson said in a statement. “WDFW and partners are working to address these threats, and this new 1,000-yard buffer is a major step in reducing the impacts of vessel disturbance on SRKW behavior. Boaters reducing noise by staying farther away effectively makes more prey available to SRKW by making it easier for the whales to find and catch salmon.”
The legislation was passed specifically to address commercial whale-watching operations and “boaters who intentionally harass, chase, and torment the whales,” but the new requirements could impact commercial fishing operations.
As with the previous version of the legislation, commercial and Tribal fishing vessels lawfully engaged in “setting, retrieving, or closely tending fishing gear” are exempt from the rule. However, commercial fishing vessels are not exempt from the rule when they are in transit.
WDFW said its officers will focus primarily on education during the first year of enforcement.
“We recognize that there are some challenges associated with trying to predict what a group of wild animals might do, or in locations where moving 1,000 yards away could be difficult,” WDFW Enforcement Captain Alan Myers said in a statement. “We will issue citations when necessary, especially for egregious violations or repeat offenders, but our officers will largely be focused on making sure people understand the new laws and are trying to do the right thing by giving these whales the space they need.”
