Orca distance restrictions haven’t hurt tourism: study
SEATTLE — U.S. restrictions limiting boats from getting too close to endangered southern resident killer whales have not harmed the whale-watching industry, according to a new U.S. federal study.
The study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicated that whale-watching tourism continues to grow even with the federal restrictions that require vessels to stay at least 182 metres from the orcas in Washington’s Puget Sound, the Seattle Times reported Monday.
Lack of food, environmental contamination and boat noise are the primary threats to the survival of orcas in Puget Sound, according to the agency. The population of southern resident whales, which travel between Washington and B.C. waters, is down to 76 — the lowest in 30 years.
Noise from boats can disturb orcas, causing them to spend less time looking for food and more time travelling, according to researchers. The restrictions enacted in 2011 were aimed at reducing the stress placed on the orcas from noise.
Departing from more than 20 locations on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border, about 400,000 people take commercial tour boats to watch whales each year, said Michael Harris, former executive director of the Pacific Whale Watch Association.
When boats enforcing the restrictions are on the water, the study found the U.S. rules to be more effective with fewer violations by recreational vessels.
Canadian Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced in October that boaters soon will be required to stay at least 200 metres away from resident orcas while in Canadian waters.
In Canada, the limit had been 100 metres — as a guideline, not a requirement. LeBlanc said the new federal regulations will be in place by spring.