John,

Earlier this legislative session, State Senators Lovelett (LD 40) and Shewmake (LD 42) introduced SB 5371, which establishes 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).

Now, a Senate vote is imminent --as early as this afternoon-- and Southern Resident orcas need your help.

Please urge your Senator to vote YES on SSB 5371.

The law's 1,000-yard buffer around the Southern Residents for all boaters, year-round, and is in response to a WDFW report, which found that current vessel distance laws are not sufficiently protecting the whales from disruption of their foraging behavior. The legislation is well-supported by population need, best available science, and the need to have rules that are easier to communicate, comply with, and enforce.

SSB 5371 builds on the progress you helped make possible. Given the fragile health of the population, it is critical that the change to a 1,000-yard buffer is made this session. There is no single more effective thing we can do in the near term to help these vulnerable pods than make it easier for them to find and catch their prey–and share that prey with their young.

We need your help to ensure the legislation is voted out of the Senate. Contact your Senator today.

Thank you for your support,

Rein Attemann (he/him)
Puget Sound Campaign Manager

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