Setback is Now 1,000 Yards for Recreational Vessels

As of January 1, 2025, in Washington State waters, boats must not approach southern resident killer whales (SRKW) within 1,000 yards (1/2 nautical mile) and must stop movement if they end up within 400 yards of SRKW.
The new rules apply to all recreational boaters in Washington waters, including paddle craft like kayaks and paddleboards. While these new regulations only apply to the “resident” fish eating SRKW (not Bigg’s transient orcas), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) encourages boaters to stay far away from all killer whales.
Please help spread the word to your customers. Our friends at Be Whale Wise can provide Whale Warning Flags and Be Whale Wise educational information (brochures, stickers, range finders) at no charge to NMTA members. Be Whale Wise materials are ideal for charter boats, new boat owners, open houses, rendezvous and retail display. Please contact Be Whale Wise at info@bewhalewise.org to order your Be Whale Wise materials or visit the Be Whale Wise display at the Seattle Boat Show (West Hall 56). Be Whale Wise digital downloads are also available at https://www.bewhalewise.org/downloads/.