OLYMPIA, Wash. — The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced new rules for commercial whale watching of our Southern Residents.
The new rules include a three-month commercial whale watching season and permanently establish a “no go” zone for powered boats along the west side of San Juan Island.
A 100-yard corridor will be allowed for commercial kayak tours.
The rules are designed to help maintain commercial whale watching of Southern Resident Orcas while reducing vessel noise that disrupts their ability to forage, rest, and socialize.
They don’t apply to commercial watching of other species of whales or marine mammals.