Officials with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are asking anglers and other boaters to avoid an area along the west side of San Juan Island to help protect resident orcas.
The population of southern resident orcas has declined from 98 whales in 1995 to 76 in December 2017. Officials said major threats to the whales include a lack of prey, disturbance from vessel traffic and noise, and toxic contaminants.
The "no-go" zone includes:
- From Mitchell Bay in the north to Cattle Point in the south, extending a quarter-mile offshore for the entire stretch.
- In an area around the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, the no-go zone extends further offshore – a half-mile.
[ Here's a map of the areas. ]
The WDFW will work with other agencies to help educate people about the voluntary "no-go" zone, which applies to all recreational boats and commercial vessels.
“This voluntary no-go zone is a good step in helping to reduce human impacts in an important foraging area for southern resident killer whales,” said Penny Becker, WDFW’s policy lead on killer whales.
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