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) in Washington waters 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, if it is safe to do so, and wait for the animal to move away. WDFW also asks that sailors luff sails and paddle-craft stop paddling, group up, 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
Boater Toolkit
Boaters can access a number of resources and tools to help them follow all regulations and help conserve endangered Southern Resident killer whales.
Need printed materials for an event or group? Email killerwhales@dfw.wa.gov to submit a request.
Training Presentations:
Access full playlist on YouTube
Materials
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.
Learn more about determining distance on the water by watching this video.
How am I supposed to see orcas 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.
Learn more about determining distance on the water by watching this video.
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 be in. 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.
Learn more about distinguishing killer whale ecotypes by watching this video.
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, including its operator, 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.
What vessels are exempt from these regulations?
Some exemptions to these laws do exist. Large craft such as shipping vessels and their escorting ships are exempt (see the Quiet Sound program to learn more), as are local, state, federal, or Tribal government vessels conducting some official duties, and NOAA-authorized research vessels . Tribal or commercial fishing vessels are exempt when actively setting, retrieving, or closely tending fishing gear, but not while in transit. Read RCW 77.15.740 for more information about exemptions. Commercial whale watching vessels are not exempt.
What about commercial whale watching vessels?
Commercial whale watching vessels have largely adhered to a 1,000-yard setback from SRKW since detailed industry regulations went into effect in 2021. If you see one or more commercial whale watching vessels near orcas, they may be viewing Bigg’s transient orcas, which can be viewed from 200+ yards by those who can distinguish the orca ecotypes.
Aren’t Seals and Sea Lions eating too many Salmon? Why don’t we get rid of them?
Many animals in the Salish Sea rely on Salmon for their survival. Animals like harbor seals and sea lions are also protected, and removing seals or sea lions in Puget Sound would require congressional changes to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Some predator control efforts are already underway, particularly in the Columbia River basin, while WDFW and others continue studying the impacts of these predators on fish populations elsewhere in the state.
Why does it matter if these animals are already inbred?
Although a lack of genetic diversity is a concern for small populations like that of the Southern Residents, conservationists are far more concerned with addressing the more significant and timely threats posed by vessel noise and disturbance, lack of prey availability, and toxic contaminants.
Ambassador program
WDFW is excited to announce the launch of our boater ambassador program in partnership with Be Whale Wise. This program will train a select group of ambassadors to conduct education and outreach to Washington boaters about the rules and best practices for boating in Killer Whale habitat.
The application to be considered for this year's ambassador cohort has now closed.
Keep an eye on this webpage for more information about the program's outreach efforts coming soon!
Those interested in staying informed about this topic 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.
Help boaters and protect whales by flying your flag
The Whale Warning flag is a great tool to help protect whales and other marine mammals from harmful encounters with boats. However, like a "diver down" flag, these flags have a specific use, and are not decorative. But how does the flag work?
Have the flag?
- Raise it when you see whales nearby to signal other boaters
- Follow local laws and Be Whale Wise guidelines
- Lower the flag when you or the whales leave the area
See the flag?
- Slow down
- Locate nearby whales by looking for the signs (tails, fins, blow)
- Prepare to adjust course accordingly
- Follow local laws and Be Whale Wise guidelines
Guidance for sailing and non-motorized vessels
Although the language of RCW 77.15.740 is primarily targeted at motorized vessels, the laws still apply to non-motorized vessels including sail and paddle-craft.
For Sailboats
The 1000-yard vessel setback from Southern Resident killer whales applies to sailboats, as does the 7-knot speed limit within 1000 yards of a Southern Resident killer whale. Although exceeding a speed of 7 knots while under sail is unlikely, it is still important to monitor your vessel’s speed to ensure that you are not going too fast around killer whales.
Additionally, the law requires vessel operators to immediately disengage the transmission of a vessel under power when within 400 yards of a Southern Resident killer whale. Because the presence of vessels, even quiet ones, negatively impacts the whales, WDFW asks that sailing vessel operators luff sails and cease vessel movement within 400 yards of a Southern Resident, and only begin vessel movement again once the whales are at least 400 yards away, and proceed to move out to 1000 yards or more while avoiding the path of the whales
For Paddle-craft (Kayaks, Paddleboards, etc)
The 1000-yard vessel setback from Southern Resident killer whales applies to paddle-craft, as does the 7-knot speed limit within 1000 yards of a Southern Resident killer whale.
Because the presence of vessels, even quiet ones, negatively impacts the whales, WDFW asks that paddlers stop paddling and cease vessel movement within 400 yards of a Southern Resident, and to group up out of the path of the whale(s). This minimizes pressure on the whales to track the position and movement of nearby vessels, and it matches the requirement in the law that motorized vessel operators disengage the transmission when within 400 yards of a Southern Resident killer whale. Only begin paddling and vessel movement again once the whales are at least 400 yards away and avoid the path of the whales while navigating to 1000 yards or more away.
Kayakers and paddleboarders are encouraged to pledge to follow the Be Whale Wise KELP (Kayak Education Leadership Program) guidelines to protect whales and other marine animals and their habitats.
Guidance for fishing vessels
The 1,000-yard vessel setback from Southern Resident killer whales applies to vessels participating in recreational fishing, as does the 7-knot speed limit when between 400 and 1,000 yards from a Southern Resident killer whale. Additionally, the law requires vessel operators to immediately disengage the transmission when within 400 yards of a Southern Resident killer whale.
Vessels lawfully engaging in a treaty Indian or commercial fishery that are actively setting, retrieving, or closely tending fishing gear are exempt from these regulations, but commercial fishing vessels in transit are not exempt and must operate accordingly.
There are additional actions that you can take while fishing to help minimize negative impacts on killer whales:
Turn off echo sounders, fish-finders, and any other sonar devices when whales are nearby
Underwater transducers that use frequencies between 50 and 80 kHz overlap with echolocation frequencies of marine mammals, and could have an adverse effect on whales. Many echo sounders operate using either a 50 kHz or 200 kHz setting.
Given that a 200 kHz frequency is outside of Southern Resident killer whale hearing range, WDFW encourages fishers to use this frequency when interactions with Southern Residents are possible. If Southern Residents are present in the area or the echo sounder is not in use, WDFW encourages fishing vessels to temporarily turn echo sounders off, if it is safe to do so, or switch to a 200 kHz frequency.
For more technical advice on sonar use, see the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Plan.
Pull fishing gear from the water when whales are nearby
Fishing gear, such as lines, lures, pots, buoys, and nets all pose a threat of entanglement to marine mammals. WDFW recommends that fishing vessels pull any fishing equipment out of the water and into the boat when Southern Resident killer whales are nearby, and to wait until the whales have left the area before resuming fishing activities.
If you see a whale or other marine mammal that has become entangled, contact the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF 16 or call NOAA Fisheries at 877-767-9425. You can also submit a report by downloading the Dolphin and Whale 911 Stranding App.
For more information about the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Large Whale Entanglement Response efforts, read the NOAA Fisheries 2024 West Coast Whale Entanglement Summary (PDF)
Avoid key Southern Resident foraging spots
Certain areas in the Salish Sea, and especially the marine habitats around the San Juan Island archipelago, are very important sites for Southern Resident killer whale foraging. Avoiding these areas benefits whales and makes it less likely that your fishing trip will be disrupted to comply with the regulations.
The west coast of San Juan Island, between Cattle Point and Mitchell Bay, is classified as a voluntary "No-Go Zone". The zone extends 1/4-mile offshore, and a half-mile out from Lime Kiln State Park and encompasses historically sensitive foraging and resting areas for Southern Resident killer whales. Boaters are encouraged to avoid this area, regardless of whale presence.
San Juan County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) identified core Southern Resident foraging areas in Marine Area 7. In the No-Go Zone, the area around Lime Kiln lighthouse is particularly sensitive. Outside the No-Go Zone, Salmon Bank in particular, as well as Hein Bank, were identified as core foraging areas. WDFW suggests avoiding these areas, particularly when Southern Residents may be in-bound. If you fish in these areas, stay on high alert for whale activity, and be prepared to pull gear and move away to maintain the 1,000-yard distance from any Southern Resident killer whales.
Headed to Canada? Visit BeWhaleWise.org to learn about the mandatory exclusion zones in place before your visit.
Partner information and resources
Email killerwhales@dfw.wa.gov to request physical and print materials for your group or organization.