Boaters warned to stay away from visiting whales
Whale experts say boaters should keep their distance from five transient killer whales that are currently visiting Puget Sound.
The two mothers and three offspring have been in Eld Inlet, near Olympia, for the past four weeks. There have been reports that boaters have gotten close to the group, prompting warnings from whale experts.
The National Marine Fisheries Service advises pepole to stay at least 100 yards away from orcas. Harassing or harming marine mammals is against federal law.
In June, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration proposed rules that would prevent vessels from coming within 200 feet of killer whales or parking in the path of a whale. The proposed regulations would also establish a half-mile zone along the west side of San Juan Island from May 1 through the end of September that vessels would be prohibited from entering. The rules could take effect next May.
