Story at a glance
- The population of endangered orcas in Washington currently stands at 74.
- The state’s “Be Whale Wise” law requires vessels to stay 300 yards away from the orcas and at least 400 yards out of their path. Boats within one-half nautical must also reduce their speed to seven knots.
- Orcas in the region have experienced a high rate of failed pregnancies in recent years.
Wildlife officials in Washington state are urging boaters to steer clear of three pregnant orcas to help increase the chances of successful pregnancies among the endangered population in the region.
Researchers say as many as three Southern Resident killer whales, which spend several months of the summer and fall in Washington’s Puget Sound, are currently pregnant. The population of endangered orcas currently stands at 74. The population was listed as endangered in 2005.
In response to reports of the pregnancies, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, NOAA Fisheries and other agencies called on recreational boaters to adhere to regulations to give the orcas space to ensure a successful pregnancy.
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The state’s “Be Whale Wise” law requires vessels to stay 300 yards away from the orcas and at least 400 yards out of their path. Boats within one-half nautical must also reduce their speed to seven knots.
The population of orcas has experienced a high rate of failed pregnancies in recent years. Disturbances from nearby boats can result in orcas to give up foraging for food, which is especially critical for pregnant mothers.
“We need to work together to give these pregnant whales every chance of success,” Scott Rumsey, deputy regional administrator for NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, said in a statement.
“The more they can forage undisturbed, the better their odds of contributing to the population,” Rumsey said.
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