WDFW extends deadline to apply for Orca Regulations Communications Advisory Group 

Applications accepted through July 14 

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) continues to seek members for its new Orca Regulations Communications Advisory (ORCA) Group, a volunteer committee prompted by Senate Bill 5371.   

The legislation creates a mandatory 1,000-yard vessel buffer around Southern Resident killer whales starting in January 2025 to protect the endangered population from vessel noise and disturbance. 

As directed in the legislation, the group will help inform the development of outreach and education strategies and tools to implement the actions outlined in the law. The Department is seeking representatives from the recreational boating, commercial whale watching, and commercial fishing communities, as well as ports and marinas, nonprofits, and researchers. 

The Department is also interested in recruiting individuals with social marketing and communications experience and individuals with experience developing educational tools or apps. Staff emphasized that there will be a variety of ways to engage to fit different time commitments and modes of sharing input. 

“We encourage anyone who is interested to submit an application, whether you’re interested in serving on the advisory group, participating in a workshop or focus group, or simply receiving updates and providing input online,” said Julie Watson, Ph.D., WDFW Killer Whale Policy Lead. “With your help, we can hone strategies and tools to support boaters in following the law and protecting this endangered population.”  

The group will meet for the first time in late summer or early fall 2023 and will sunset in summer 2025. 

Those interested in joining should review the Orca Regulations Communications Advisory Group webpage, online interest form, and the WDFW Advisory Member Handbook. WDFW is accepting submissions through July 14. 

Current Be Whale Wise regulations
Although changes to the vessel buffer won’t take place until 2025, wildlife managers are encouraging boaters to give Southern Resident killer whales as much space as possible.

Current law requires recreational vessels to stay at least 300 yards from Southern Resident killer whales and at least 400 yards out of the path in front of and behind the whales. Vessels must also reduce their speed to seven knots within one-half nautical mile (roughly 1,000 yards) of Southern Residents. More information is available on the Be Whale Wise website.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.