Chamber opposes new whale rule

The Chamber's statement, released today, says "there would be no clear benefit to whale pods in adopting these rules." The position statement notes that the orca population is actually increasing, adding "there have been no objective studies linking current practices to significant changes in whale behavior."

The Chamber said "Put simply, whale watching is a substantial economic driver in Skagit County, which we estimate generates at least $7.2 million annually," adding, "we believe this figure to be conservative—the “no go” zone under consideration would have a negative impact on various other industries—fishing, kayaking, and charter boat operations--that is not quantified here."

Their statement comes in advance of a meeting designed to hear from the public on this issue set for tonight at 7pm at the Port of Anacortes Pier One warehouse.

The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing that vessels maintain a distance of at least 200 yards from the nearest whale and would prohibit vessel activity of any kind in a one-half mile “no-go” zone a half-mile out along the west side of San Juan Island — from Mitchell Point to Eagle Point — to provide a larger buffer between boaters, kayakers and killer whales. The zone would be off-limits to most boaters and kayakers from May 1 to Sept. 30.

Exceptions: actively fishing commercial boats, cargo ships in established shipping lanes, government and research vessels, and land owners going to private property along the affected shoreline.

Supporters of the proposal say the distance is necessary to protect the whales from interference from boats.

The National Marine Fisheries Service listed the Southern Resident killer whales as endangered under the Endangered Species Act on Nov. 18, 2005. The agency identified vessel effects, including physical interference and sound, as a potential contributing factor in the population's decline.