Boaters throughout the region cherish the Southern Resident killer whales and celebrate the chance to see them. Whether you’re seeking them out or coming across whales by chance, new regulations are now in place to better protect these extraordinary animals.

There’s plenty to read and digest on this topic, but the basics are pretty straightforward. The big change is based on legislation signed into law in 2023 that took effect on January 1, 2025—the standard regulation is now that boaters must stay 1,000 yards (approximately .5 nautical miles) from Southern Resident killer whales. It’s important for experienced boaters to note the increase from the previous law’s requirement of 400 yards in front or behind (or 300 yards if alongside); as well as to understand the differences between American laws and the Canadian laws on this topic. We recommend learning more at the resource Be Whale Wise, which represents a long-running partnership between governmental agencies, non-profits, and other stakeholders in British Columbia and Washington. Visit their site for more information and some handy graphic reminders, but here’s the gist of Washington’s new “mandatory measures” that are now law:

In the US, Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) are listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act. In 2023, Washington’s Governor Jay Inslee signed into law new regulations governing whale watching in the State of Washington. Federal regulations also still apply to all killer whales in the inland waters of Washington state.

Mandatory measures:

• Boaters must stay 1,000 yards* from Southern Resident killer whales.
• Boaters must go slow (<7 knots) within ½ mile of Southern Resident killer whales.
• Boaters must disengage engine(s) if Southern Resident killer whales appear within 400 yards.
• Boaters must stay 200 yards from other killer whales (Bigg’s/Transient killer whales).
• Boaters must not park in the path within 400 yards of other killer whales (Bigg’s/Transient killer whales)

NOTE: It can be difficult to determine different types of killer whales, especially at a distance when you’re underway. When in doubt, err on the side of caution, treat them as endangered, and follow the appropriate regulations and guidelines.

*There are some areas in the Salish Sea where navigable channels are narrower than 1,000 yards. If you encounter Southern Resident killer whales and you are greater than 400 yards away from the whales, you can motor slowly (under 7 knots) away and out of their path of travel. If you are closer than 400 yards, you must disengage your engine(s) and wait for the whales to pass.

As some of those who most respect and value our waters and the wildlife that calls it home, boat folk will surely feel a strong motivation to comply with these regulations. And maybe, given the increased distance, it’s time for a sweet new pair binoculars or that long zoom lens for your camera you’ve been pining for. Top us, the compromise is well worth it for future generations to be able to experience the wonder of seeing killer whales in our local waters.

Check www.bewhalewise.org for further details and to learn more. 

Feature image by Joe Cline.