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26

Recommendation: 26

Status: Complete

Revise Revised Code of Washington 77.15.740 to increase the buffer to 400 yards behind the orcas.

Description

Action 1

Coordinate with state, federal, and Canadian authorities to align and adopt guidelines that limit how close and how quickly vessels may approach Southern Resident orcas. Consistent messaging will increase compliance and reduce stressing orcas.

Recent Progress

In 2019, the Legislature approved Senate Bill 5577 to prohibit vessels from getting within 400 yards from behind and 300 yards from the sides of Southern Resident orcas.

More details may be found in the progress reports in theĀ resources library.