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03/16/2008: "State Legislature Follows SJC’s Orca Protection Action"

The Washington House approved and sent to the Governor a bill which essentially writes into state law the protections for South Resident Killer Whales that the San Juan County Council adopted in September 2007.

“We said when we passed our ordinance that it was just a stop gap until state or federal protections were in place.” Councilman Ranker said, “This is a case where it is a pleasure to see one of our ordinances expire.”

Once signed by the Governor, the bill will make it illegal for vessels to approach within 300 feet of an orca whale and requires any motorized craft which finds itself within 300 feet of an orca to disengage its transmission. It also provides exceptions for safety, research and other reasons.

Violations of the law will be classified as “natural resource infractions” which generally carry fines of up to $500.

The regulations were largely drawn from the “Whale Wise” guidelines created by the Whale Watch Operators Association of the Northwest, which has been a strong supporter of San Juan County’s Ordinance and the State Legislation.

Council Member Kevin Ranker said that 40th District Representative Dave Quall and Senator Harriet Spanel deserve special credit for sponsoring the legislation and noted, “We had active support from the 14 coastal counties, which was a major help.”