NOAA announced new regulations to protect killer whales in inland waters of Washington State from the effects of various vessel activities. The new regulations have two parts:
1. Vessels must not approach any killer whale within 200 yards
2. Vessels must stay out of the path of oncoming whales out to 400 yards.
However, NOAA did not include fishing, research or shipping vessels in these guideliness. In addition, the west side of San Juan Island was not made a "no go zone." The new regulations go into effect 30 days after the Federal Register notice publishes. NOAA is working with partners to educate boaters about the new regulations on and off the water.
For additional information see the NOAA Website at http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Marine-Mammals/Whales-Dolphins-Porpoise/Killer-Whales/Recovery-Implement/Orca-Vessel-Regs.cfm for more information on the vessel regulations.
No comments:
Post a Comment