The link between vessel noise and Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) survival is the subject of ongoing research. The Salish Sea, comprised of Puget Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, sees high levels of commercial and recreational vessel traffic year-round, meaning that the waters of the Salish Sea are very loud for a species that relies on sound to hunt, communicate, and navigate its environment.
Research published by NOAA Fisheries in 2021 showed that SRKW are susceptible to disturbance from vessels, and indicated that the effects of vessel noise are especially prominent for females, which often stop foraging when boats get too close. Research shows this tendency to stop foraging when boats are nearby may be most concerning for pregnant or nursing mothers that need to find more food to support calves. This is especially critical given the low percentage of breeding females in the Southern Resident population and challenges with successful births and calf survival.
Rules and regulations
As of Jan. 1, 2025, per RCW 77.15.740, motorized and non-motorized vessel operators (including kayakers and paddleboarders) must:
- Stay 1,000 yards away from Southern Resident killer whales.
- Attempt to navigate out of the path and away from Southern Resident killer whales within 1,000 yards of their vessel while adhering to a 7-knot speed limit.
- (If a Southern Resident killer whale approaches within 400 yards) Disengage the transmission, luff sails and stop paddling if it is safe to do so and wait for the animal to move away.
Report Violations:
- Phone: WDFW Enforcement: 1-877-933-9847
- Radio: US Coast Guard: VHF Channel 16
- Online: bewhalewise.org/report-violators
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if an SRKW approaches or surfaces near me?
If a Southern Resident killer whale approaches you or surfaces within 1,000 yards of your vessel, you can slowly move away from the whale at a speed of 7 knots or less. If the whale is within 400 yards of your vessel, immediately disengage the transmission until the whales have moved out of the area, if it’s safe to do so. Sailors should luff sails and wait for the whales to move on, and kayakers, group together out of the path of the whales.
How far do I need to stay away from other whales (including transient killer whales)?
Stay at least 200 yards from all other killer whales in Washington waters, and at least 100 yards away from any other whales. Visit the NOAA website to learn more.
How do I know if I’m 1,000 yards away?
1,000 yards is roughly half of a nautical mile, or ten football fields (goal line to goal line). A male orca fin is roughly the size of an adult man, so if the fin looks bigger than a man 10 football fields away from you, you should move away. If you have a range finder, you can use it to hone your distance-gauging skills. If available, you also can use landmarks and mapping software to triangulate relative distance. Friendly Enforcement officers and Soundwatch volunteers are also on the water and can let you know if you need to back up. If you see whales and aren’t sure how far away you are, err on the side of caution and move away and out of their path at a speed of 7 knots or less.
How am I supposed to see anything that far away on the water?
The average person can see 2+ miles on a clear day in flat water. Of course, weather and water conditions may reduce that distance. Boaters should always be aware of their surroundings and on the lookout for signs of whales (fins, blows, vessels flying a whale warning flag, whale watch vessels, other vessels on the water). If you see an orca on the horizon, consider erring on the side of caution by staying away.
Is Enforcement going to ticket me when… I didn’t know whales were nearby or couldn’t see them; they surprised me; I was in a narrow channel; I couldn’t safely move; etc.?
These regulations were passed by the Washington Legislature in 2023 to help these endangered whales have a chance at survival. WDFW first and foremost wants boaters to be safe, and Enforcement won’t ticket you for trying your best to follow the regulations while navigating safety issues. WDFW Enforcement wants to support boaters trying to do the right thing, and initial and ongoing efforts will be focused on education and outreach, not issuing citations. Repeat offenders or especially egregious circumstances may still be cited. Citations written by WDFW Officers do not generate revenue for the Department.
How can I tell the difference between resident and transient killer whales?
There are resources online to help boaters learn the differences, but the differences between Southern Resident and Transient killer whales are subtle and may be difficult to determine in various conditions. Because of this, WDFW recommends that untrained boaters assume that all killer whales in the Salish Sea are Southern Residents, unless/until you’re sure otherwise. Information from apps/sightings networks may let you know if SRKW have been seen recently in the area you plan to boat. Context clues on the water, such as the presence of whale watching vessels at closer distances, may also indicate that whales aren’t SRKW. However, boaters are expected to use their own judgment and err on the side of caution.
What should I do if I see someone else getting too close to a Southern Resident killer whale?
If possible, take photos or videos of the vessel in question and the person operating it, or note any distinct colors, markings, numbers, or lettering on the vessel itself. Then, when it is safe to do so, you can call WDFW Enforcement at 1-877-933-9847. Another option is to visit the Be Whale Wise website to submit a report online.
Ambassador program
WDFW is in the initial stages of creating an ambassador program with the goal of offering ongoing education to the state’s boaters about laws and best practices for sharing the water with killer whales.
Those interested in learning more about or participating in this program are encouraged to sign up for the "Southern Resident Killer Whales and Regulation Updates" mailing list.
Be Whale Wise and transboundary regulations
Laws protecting Killer Whales and other marine wildlife vary between the United States and Canada. Be Whale Wise is a cross-border coalition of state and national agencies and organizations that are working together to protect Killer Whales and other marine mammals from the threat of vessel disturbance.
Learn more about these efforts at the Be Whale Wise website.
Transboundary marine wildlife guidelines
- KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. Educate yourself on local marine life and regulations before getting underway.
- BE ALERT and CAUTIOUS on the water. Have your family and friends help to scan for nearby marine life, especially in areas with known or suspected marine wildlife activity, or in narrow or tight areas of navigation.
- LOOK IN ALL DIRECTIONS and ALWAYS GO SLOW (<7 knots) when in the vicinity of any marine wildlife. If you suspect but aren’t certain marine wildlife are near, slow to a stop and assess the situation.
- PLACE ENGINE into neutral and allow all animals space to pass if they approach your vessel or surface within the allowable distance.
- BE PREPARED to move away or shut down if nearby animals change speed and/or direction.
- DO NOT position your vessel in front or behind wildlife.
- STAY on the OFFSHORE side of all wildlife to lessen disturbance along the shoreline*
- AVOID moving through and disturbing groups of any marine animal. DISCOURAGE bow or stern riding by holding course and gradually reducing speed.
- LIMIT any wildlife viewing time to 30 minutes or less to lessen cumulative impact of vessels on wildlife.
- NEVER approach an animal in distress. Contact your local marine mammal response network to report a sick, stranded, entangled, or dead marine animal.
- DID YOU SEE A WHALE? Help fellow boaters Be Whale Wise by flying your Whale Warning Flag and reporting your sighting to your local sightings network.
* Kayakers and paddlers should follow Kayak Education Leadership Program (K.E.L.P.) guidelines to stay INSHORE of wildlife, raft up, secure themselves, and stop paddling until whales have passed by.