OLYMPIA, Wa. — May 22, 2014 — With summer approaching, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is reminding recreational boaters to give killer whales and other marine mammals a wide berth.
State and federal law requires boaters to stay at least 200 yards away from southern resident orcas and to avoid positioning their vessels in the path of oncoming whales. Boaters who inadvertently find themselves in violation of the 200 yard proximity are required to stop immediately and allow the whale to pass.
These regulations apply to a variety of small watercraft, including tour boats, private powerboats, commercial fishing boats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes and personal watercraft.
WDFW is preparing for a busy boating and whale-watching season, said Mike Cenci, WDFW's deputy police chief.
"Boaters have a responsibility to keep their distance from these animals," he said. "To make sure this happens, the department is increasing the number of enforcement patrols dedicated to monitoring boaters and their interactions with whales."
Read the full story from The Fishing Wire