This page will be continually updated with more information about this newly-forming Advisory Group. Please continue to watch this page for updates and information.
Prompted by Senate Bill 5371, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is convening the Orca Regulations Communications Advisory (ORCA) Group in 2023 to inform the development of outreach and education strategies designed to support public awareness and compliance with the mandatory 1,000-yard vessel buffer around endangered Southern Resident killer whales. This buffer will go into effect in January 2025.
The advisory group will include representatives from the recreational boating, commercial whale watching, and commercial fishing industries, as well as ports and marinas, government entities, nongovernmental organizations, tribes, and researchers. The group will meet beginning in fall 2023 and will sunset in summer 2025.
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At the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, we celebrate diverse individuals who bring a wide range of perspectives. All are welcome to participate in our processes regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability.