Halt of whale tours urged to save orcas

SEATTLE — A Washington state task force on critically endangered Northwest orcas wants to temporarily suspend whale-watching boat tours focused on those whales, one of three dozen recommendations to save a population that is at its lowest in more than 30 years.

The group advising Gov. Jay Inslee voted Tuesday to recommend a three- to five-year moratorium on viewing southern resident killer whales by all boats in Puget Sound.

Disturbances and noise from boats can interfere with the whales’ ability to find food or communicate, and supporters said it would protect the whales. Critics said it doesn’t address the larger issue of dwindling food supply and it would be devastating for the industry.

The proposed moratorium would not apply to boats viewing other whales in the region, including gray or transient whales.

The endangered orcas struggle from pollution, boat noise and lack of chinook salmon, which have been declining because of dams, habitat loss and overfishing.

The task force plans to forward its recommendations to the governor next week. He’ll consider the ideas as he proposes a budget and potential legislation that will go before the Legislature.

Among the more contentious ideas, the task force is recommending that the state set up a process to address issues related to the possible breaching or removal of the four Snake River dams in eastern Washington.

AP/ELAINE THOMPSON People on a whale-watching boat observe an orca near the San Juan Islands in Washington. A state task force seeking to protect the endangered orcas wants to stop such boat tours.