John,

State Senator Lovelett (LD 40) and State Senator Shewmake (LD 42) introduced SB 5371: "Protecting southern resident orcas from vessels" that established a 1,000-yard buffer around the Southern Resident Killer Whales for all boaters as recommended by Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 

Help protect our orcas and show your support for this bill by signing in PRO for SB 5371.

Signing in PRO is an easy, virtual way to note your position on a bill while it is still in a committee. This accessible option for participating in the legislative process was created during the first virtual session due to the pandemic in 2021. It increased transparency and access for Washingtonians across the state to participate in the policy and decision-making experience during legislative session.

This is a milestone recommendation that is urgently needed because: 

- Population Declines. Three southern resident orcas were lost last year, and the Southern Resident Killer Whale population now consists of just 73 whales. 

- Reflects Science. Recent NOAA research found that an approach distance of 1,000 yards would achieve greater consistency with the science and improve foraging success. 

- Harmonizes Existing Rules. A single 1,000-yard distance for all will be easier to communicate, comply with, and enforce.

Show your support for SB 5371 before 12:30 pm on Monday, January 30^th at which time the bill will have a public hearing in the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Park Committee. 

With deep gratitude,

Rein Attemann (he/him)
Puget Sound Campaign Manager

Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters are now unified under one brand, Washington Conservation Action.