OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks feedback on the environmental analysis of options for commercial whale watching rules designed to protect Southern Resident killer whales while considering license holders’ economic viability.
The intention of the new rules, which were prompted by the passage of Senate Bill 5577 in 2019, would be to reduce impacts of vessel noise and disturbance on Southern Resident killer whales so that they can effectively find food, rest and socialize.The rules are expected to take effect in 2021.
“We’re using the best available science to support the conservation of these iconic animals,”Julie Watson, WDFW killer whale policy lead, said. “The environmental impact analysis is a valuable tool in understanding the trade-offs among various options we have been exploring in the agency and with our advisory committee. As we move forward in this process, it’s important to us that we hear from the broad spectrum of people who are invested in Southern Resident killer whale recovery.”
Throughout this year, WDFW staff received input from the Commercial Whale Watching Licensing Program Advisory Committee as well as an intergovernmental coordination group and an independent science panel. In addition to the State Environmental Policy Act process, the rules are being informed by a report summarizing the science and economic impacts on small businesses.
The public is invited to attend a virtual public meeting from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19, to learn more about the environmental analysis and provide comments on the draft environmental review.
Comments as part of the SEPA process can be submitted through Friday, Oct. 23 online at wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/environmental/sepa/open-comments or by mail to Lisa Wood, SEPA/NEPA Coordinator, WDFW Habitat Program, Protection Division, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504.
To view the draft environmental review, best available science report, economic analysis, and instructions for tuning in to the Oct. 19 virtual meeting, visit wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/at-risk/species-recovery/orca/rule-making/.
The public may also sign up to receive email updates about public meetings and comment opportunities when draft rules are available for comment, expected in October.
Recreational halibut dates added for remainder of season
Action: Opens Marine Areas 1 (Ilwaco/Chinook) and Marine Area 2 (Westport) on Sept. 28 and 29, and Marine Area 3 (La Push), Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay), and Marine Areas 5-10 (Puget Sound) through Tuesday. These openings are in addition to days already proposed to be open.
Effective date: Sept. 27
Species affected: Pacific Halibut
Location: Marine Areas 1 through 10
Reason for action: Recreational halibut fishing was scheduled to close at the end of last week, however, only 60 percent of the Washington sport quota has been taken based on catch data through Sept. 13. Reduced fishing effort due to poor weather in recent weeks has been a factor and has resulted in lower catch than expected.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan and federal regulations allow the recreational halibut season to be open three days per week. Allowing additional fishing days will provide anglers the opportunity to take more of the remaining quota before the recreational halibut season closes at the end of this month.
Information contact: Heather Hall, Intergovernmental Policy Coordinator, 360-902-2487
