John,

2020 ended with a win for the orcas. In December, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved new rules for commercial viewing of Southern Resident orcas in order to reduce impacts of vessel noise and disturbance.

These new rules, effective January 1, 2021, reduce allowable viewing of Southern Residents by about 80-90% from what is currently allowed; giving orcas more uninterrupted time to find scarce food, socialize, travel, and raise their babies. You helped us achieve this critical policy milestone to advance orca protection and recovery.

Please take a moment to thank the Fish and Wildlife Commission for their deliberations and decision to adopt new commercial whale watching license rules!

While this rule is specific to commercial whale watch operators, much more is needed to be done to address the vessel noise and disturbance threats posed by recreational boaters, large commercial vessels, ferries, and Navy vessels. In the coming year, WEC, WCV and our partners will work hard to make the Salish Sea an even safer place for orcas. These creatures are a vital part of our shared ecosystem, and their health and survival is deeply connected to the health and survival of our community.

Take a moment to send a note of gratitude to the Commission for the important steps already taken to create a safer place for Southern Resident orcas!

We invite you to join us in taking the pledge in the Give Them Space campaign, and stay tuned for more important updates.

Thank you for all you do,

Rein Attemann
Puget Sound Campaign Manager