New whale watching rules to take effect in 2021

摘要

New regulations for whale watching in Washington state waters will take effect in 2021 in an effort to protectendangered orcas, according to the state Fish and Wildlife Commission.According to the rules approved by the commission last week, from July through September, commercial whalewatching companies can view orcas during two two-hour periods daily, the Skagit Valley Herald reported. Therules restrict the number of commercial vessels to three within a half-mile of the whales and include penalties forviolations.The commission's decision follows a public comment session Dec. 4 and a special meeting to discuss detailsDec. 15.The state Legislature directed the commission, which oversees the state Department of Fish & Wildlife, todevelop new rules after Gov. Jay Inslee (D) convened a southern resident orca task force to study issuesharming the species. The orcas were federally listed as endangered in 2005.