Contributed by Al Hunter
Southern Resident Killer Whales are under enormous stress and the population is struggling to maintain viability. We all enjoy seeing these animals from our boats but our intense interest is one of many stress factors facing the whales. A group of organizations petitioned NOAA to increase the size of the existing Vessel Exclusion Zone along the west coast of San Juan Island. NOAA has asked for public comment on the petition as they decide how to respond.
Please read the petition and supporting research and offer your thoughtful comments on it. Unsupported personal rants are probably not helpful. Visit this link (NOAA Vessel Exclusion Zone Petition) to see the petition, submit your comment and read other comments. Detailed background information is found at Detailed Background Information