J56 - designated vulnerable on 6/30/22 (poor body condition).J49 - designated vulnerable on 6/30/22 (poor body condition).J44 - designated vulnerable on 6/30/22 (poor body condition).J36 - designated vulnerable on 6/30/22 (poor body condition).J27 - designated vulnerable on 6/30/22 (poor body condition)*.List of whales designated as sick or vulnerable by WDFW by emergency rule: List of calves younger than one year old: In June of 2022, SR3 completed a comprehensive scientific assessment of the most recent imagery of 73 SRKW to inform the vulnerable whale designations issued on June 30, 2022. The Department is working with Sealife Response, Rehabilitation, and Research (SR 3) to assess which whales meet criteria for a vulnerable designation. However, per WAC 220-460-110(2), motorized commercial whale watching vessels are not to approach (within 1/2 nautical mile) a group of SRKW containing a calf under the age of one or a whale that the department has deemed sick or vulnerable. The full list of rules is available in WAC Chapter 220-460.įor more information, visit RCW 77.65.615, RCW 77.65.620, WAC Chapter 220-460 and DFW's commercial whale watching rulemaking web page.ĭuring the windows where commercial whale watching operators may view SRKW at closer than 1/2 nautical mile, there is a limit of three motorized commercial whale watching vessels allowed with a single group of SRKW. Only restrict commercial viewing of SRKW and do not further restrict the viewing of Bigg's killer whales, humpbacks, or other species of whales and marine mammals beyond regulations already in place.Include reporting and accountability requirements.Have separate protocols for motorized commercial whale watching and nonmotorozed marine tours.Make the voluntary ‘no-go’ zone along the west side of San Juan Island mandatory for commercial whale watching vessels year-round regardless of SRKW presence, allowing a 100-yard corridor for commercial kayak operations.Include a three-month, July-September season when commercial viewing of SRKW by motorized commercial whale watching vessels may happen at closer than one-half nautical mile during two, two-hour periods daily (limit of three motorized commercial whale watching vessels per group of SRKW zero with groups containing a calf of less than one year of age or a whale declared vulnerable by the Department).The rules for commercial viewing of SRKW: Kayak guides are encouraged, but not required, to report sightings to the WhaleReport app. If SRKW are encountered on a kayak tour, the kayak guide must log and report the details of the encounter below within one week. Within 24 hours (for motorized vessel operators), report the details of the encounter below.Immediately report the SRKW location to the WhaleReport app.Immediately retreat to at least one-half nautical mile.However, if a motorized commercial whale watching operator inadvertently comes across SRKW, they have three responsibilities: SRKW viewing by motorized commercial whale watch vessels at closer than one-half nautical mile is not allowed outside of the days and hours specified in WAC 220-460. Please use the form below to submit copies of your logs. All encounters during allowed viewing windows during the month of September must be submitted by October 15.All encounters during allowed viewing windows during the month of August must be submitted by September 15.All encounters during allowed viewing windows during the month of July must be submitted by August 15.SRKW viewing activities that happen during allowed viewing windows (July-September, 10am-12pm or 3pm-5pm) must be submitted on this schedule: More information about the WhaleReport app is available on the Wild Whales website, and here's a video showing how to submit a report. WhaleReport appĬommercial operators should report all real-time SRKW sightings to the WhaleReport Alert System by logging them through the WhaleReport app. While logs must be submitted online, please also keep your personal copies available for inspection by WDFW officers. We suggest printing several copies and keeping them in a binder when operating. Here's a paper form you can print and use to log your notes for reporting to WDFW. Reporting SRKW encounters within one week (October-June), or by the in-season reporting requirements detailed below (July-September). ![]() Reporting inadvertent SRKW encounters within 24 hours.In-season monthly reporting of SRKW viewing activities that happen during the allowed viewing windows from July through September.Real-time reporting of SRKW sightings to the WhaleReport app.There are three types of reporting whale watch operators should be aware of, and there is one type of reporting for kayak guides: Monofilament recovery and recycling program.
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