Pacific Whale Watch Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Friday Harbor, WA – The Washington state Legislature has passed House Bill 2514, a measure to protect orcas based on “Be Whale Wise,” the voluntary guidelines created by a group of organizations including the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest (WWOANW). The WWOANW applauded the Legislature for passing this bill to ensure that all vessels act respectfully and safely around the Southern Resident orcas. The bill now goes to Governor Chris Gregoire to be signed into law.

WWOANW is an international organization of 31 member companies. Founded in 1994, the Association provides a cohesive structure to the whale watching industry that operates in the trans-boundary waters of Washington and British Columbia. One of the Association's major objectives is to assist in the conservation of all marine species in these waters, but particularly to contribute to the conservation of the Southern Resident orcas.

"We have been voluntarily complying with the 100 yard/300 feet approach distance for a number of years" said Ivan Reiff, Owner/Captain of Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours. “We are happy to see these voluntary guidelines become law in Washington state, and especially to see the funding for additional recreational boater education."

“We’re very glad this law will likely be in effect for the 2008 season” said Dan Kukat, president and chair of WWOANW. “For years, our members have set a good example for other boaters about how to behave around the whales, but unfortunately not every other vessel operator follows or is even aware of the guidelines.”

While passage of this bill is good news for the Southern Resident orcas, there are two critical issues for the whales that must still be addressed – lack of their preferred food, chinook salmon, and the prevalence of toxic contaminants in the whales’ environment. Forecasts for West Coast salmon returns are bleak this year, with record lows predicted in some areas. WWOANW is involved with efforts, including the Puget Sound Partnership that will be working to remedy these issues. “Our naturalists help to get the word out to hundreds of thousands of people each year about ways individuals can help the whales, such as reducing the use of toxic chemicals in the home and maintaining a “whale-friendly” lawn” said Darcie Larson, executive director of WWOANW. “Educating people who have fallen in love with the orcas after seeing them in the wild is one of the most effective tools we can use to protect these amazing whale families.”

Media Contacts:

Dan Kukat, Chair & President (250) 686-4886
Email: President@nwwhalewatchers.org