White Paper for Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA)

Over the last twenty years our efforts have included, but are not limited to:

• Development of Best Practices Guidelines to view orcas and other regional wildlife. These practices have been recognized and adopted world-wide
• Implementation of a voluntary no go zone on the west side of San Juan Island when orca whales are present. This specific area requires that our professional whale watch operators must maintain a minimum distance of 1/4 mile off shore between Eagle Point and Open Bay and to maintain a 1/2 mile off shore from Lime Kiln State Park
• Education of millions of passengers which, throughout the years, has created strong support for orca conservation issues. The 2008 SRKW Recovery Plan states that education and outreach are needed to enhance public awareness and educate the public on ways they can participate in conservation efforts
• Working cooperatively with non-governmental organizations, local, state, provincial and federal agencies who regularly contribute to scientific studies and monitoring
• Development of a go slow 7 knot viewing method. Research has shown that a slower speed and reduced engine noise around the orca does not affect their ability to echo locate their prey
• Implementation of a spread the viewing policy. Our professional operators strive to divide viewing and go to different locations to avoid a concentration of vessels
• Implementation of new regulations: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) was under pressure to increase the viewing distance from 100 yards to 200 yards. The main reason for this new regulation was primarily due to concerns recorded from private vessels by The Soundwatch monitoring organization – managed by The Whale Museum, Friday Harbor. NOAA cited high speed engine noise and is concerned that this noise “masks” orca sonar and impedes them from finding fish and communicating with each other
• The PWWA members have not been operating at high speeds near orca whales for over a decade. Since we were unable to separate our viewing protocols from private boaters, we have moved to the new 200 yard viewing distance
• One of PWWA’s worst orca tragedies came true in 2001 when six mature whales from “L pod failed to return by late summer. The recent killing of L-112 a three-year old female now brings to light a possible explanation. The possibility exists that “L pod” was in the wrong place when military training occurred. Since certain training including submarine exercises are classified, we may never know the cause of L-112’s death. The Navy admitted in public testimony on May 1, 2012 that sophisticated monitoring equipment is not always available and used prior to training exercises. We can only hope that more whales were not present when L-112, was killed. We await the return of “L pod” this year to confirm their status.
• Responding to the killing of L-112, February 2012, the PWWA started a campaign “Move The Bombing Range” in concert with The Center for Whale Research to encourage the military to move the bombing range away from critical habitat. The campaign includes a Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Move-The-Bombing-Range-Dont-bomb-the-southern-resident-orca-whales/359429844093856 ) and letters written to congressional representatives from PWWA members. The PWWA members also encourage others to write to their representatives.
• In 2010 Soundwatch reported another dramatic drop in recorded boats in proximity of the SRKW. Data shows that in the last ten years the average number of total boats around the SRKW has dropped 41% from 22 to 13. Also in the last ten years the average number of commercial operators has dropped 45% from 11 to 6. This may be a direct result in policy of the PWWA “spread the viewing policy”.
• A NOAA funded aerial survey in the summer of 2010 showed that out of 23 observations 39% had no boats present. Additionally, there are 12 – 14 hours per day in season when no commercial whale watching boats are operating and the whales are by themselves. During the remaining six months whale watching operations are suspended and the location of the orcas is mostly unknown.
• The PWWA provides a platform for hundreds of professional naturalists to increase their knowledge and observe wildlife behavior. These naturalists are highly educated and provide an excellent source of information for the general public regarding orca behavior and recovery. Again, directly mentioned in the Recovery Plan; education and outreach.
• The PWWA monitors private boaters when law enforcement is not present. Soundwatch data from 2010 shows that of 1,067 incidents 84% were caused by non-commercial operators. In fact, 64% were by private boaters, Canadian operators accounted for 10% of the incidences, and the researchers themselves accounted for 7%. The US commercial operators only accounted for 4% of total incidences in 2010. Our operators are in constant contact with Soundwatch (U.S) and Strait Watch (Canada). The commercial operators inform them via radio and cell phones of potential concerns that private boaters present. Our boats are frequently the only source available to know the whereabouts of the orcas so that Soundwatch and Strait Watch can perform their valuable service.

Direct political action and funding by the PWWA:

• Up-listing (raising to ‘endangered’) of the Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW)
• Neah Bay rescue tug
• Increased oil spill preparation
• U.S. and Canadian on-the-water education via The Whale Museum’s Soundwatch (San Juan island) and Straight Watch (Canada)
• Orca Network, The Center for Whale Research and The Whale Museum
• Anti-hunting of gray whales at Neah Bay
• San Juan County and Washington State law enforcement legislation for orca protection
• Wild salmon restoration
• Anti-tagging for SRKW for research purposes
• Affiliation with the Passenger Vessel Association
• “Move The Bombing Range” campaign