Environmental Assessment for Regulations to Protect Killer Whales from Vessel Effects in Inland Waters of Washington

Protective vessel regulations for killer whales were implemented in the inland waters of WA in 2011 to reduce impacts from vessels on Southern Resident killer whales. These regulations prohibit vessels from approaching all killer whales (Southern Residents and transients) within 200 yards as well as parking in the path of the whales within 400 yards. NMFS is proposing to increase the approach limit to 400 yards on all sides and establish a speed limit of 7 knots within ½ nautical mile of the whales. Exceptions will be included for permitted research and enforcement vessels, fishing vessels actively tending fishing gear, and situations in which complying with the regulations would be unsafe.