The Associated Press
SEATTLE — A state task force on critically endangered Southern Resident orcas is calling for a temporary ban on boat tours as part of a slate of 36 recommendations to Gov. Jay Inslee ahead of the next legislative session.
The group wants to suspend whale-watching boat tours focused on the orcas for between three and five years.
It made three dozen recommendations to save a species whose population is at its lowest in more than 30 years.
The moratorium would apply to all boat traffic intended to view southern resident orcas in Puget Sound but doesn’t affect boat trips for viewing other whales in the region, such as gray or transient whales.
Disturbances and noise from boats can interfere with the whale’s ability to find food or communicate, researchers have said.
Critical reception
Critics said the proposal doesn’t address the larger issue of dwindling food supply.
They add it would be devastating for the local whale-viewing industry.
The Pacific Whale Watch Association said it supported most of the recommendations and urged implementation of those that focus on increasing chinook salmon, the orcas’ main food supply.
“We encourage Governor Inslee to focus on science-based solutions supported by PWWA’s research community partners, including organizations such as the Center For Whale Research, Orca Conservancy and the Orca Behavior Institute, as he evaluates the recommendations of the Task Force,” the group said in a prepared statement.
The group said that the recommendation restricting viewing of the southern residents “was not properly vetted and the implementation will lead to unintended consequences.”
The orcas’ plight has captured global attention as starvation reduces their numbers.
Just 74 animals are believed to be remaining in the area.
The endangered orcas struggle from pollution, boat noise and lack of chinook salmon, which have been declining because of dams, habitat loss and overfishing.
Other suggestions
The task force ordered further study of the prospect of tearing down dams to help fish migrate and restore the salmon population.
Some argue the best way to get more salmon to the starving whales is to tear down four dams on the lower Snake River, a tributary of the Columbia River.
Critics said doing so would hurt the livelihood of many who depend on those dams for navigation, recreation and hydropower.
Rep. Derek Kilmer — who represents the 6th Congressional District, which includes the North Olympic Peninsula — said that the fight to save the orcas “is also a fight to protect our economy and identity.”
He urged Congress to pass the Preventing Pollution through Partnerships Act, known as the P3 Act, “and other policies and investments which lead to cleaner water, more salmon and orca, and ultimately a healthier Sound. Count me as a partner.”
Inslee said he will review the proposals before finalizing his state budget and policy priorities next month.
The state Legislature convenes in January.
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Executive Editor Leah Leach of the Peninsula Daily News added to this Associated Press story.
