Recreational vessels could soon have to stay 1,000 feet away from endangered orcas

OLYMPIA, Wash. – New legislation could soon require recreational boats in Washington state to keep their distance from endangered orcas.

A similar law is already in effect for whale-watching vessels.

But Senate Bill 5371 would also require recreational boats to keep 1,000 yards of distance between themselves and Southern Resident orcas.

The bill passed a House vote on Tuesday, April 11th.

It heads back to the Senate, then to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk for his signature.