Sep 19, 2017

Salish Sea: Resident #Orca surprise, as well as Biggs and Transients, Humpbacks, Grey Whales too

If you haven't seen an edition of the Orcanetwork Whale Sighting Report, you are in for a treat. There are many photos and some videos in this Sept 18, 2017 report. Below is a bit of contact info and further links re the long-standing Orcanetwork and whale watching in general. As they have written in this email (click HERE for entire message),
"This world was meant for us all. Lets all do our best to respect their need for space, their need for healthy food, and their need for clean and healthy waterways; it is the only home they have." 
ABOUT ORCA NETWORK  
Orca Network is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization, dedicated to raising awareness about the whales of the Pacific Northwest, and the importance of providing them healthy and safe habitats. 
Orca Network's Whale Sighting Network involves citizens in helping researchers track the movement of whales, and encourages people to observe whales from their homes, businesses, ferries, and beaches.
Whale reports are sent in to our Sighting Network and emailed out to researchers, agencies, and citizens on our network, and posted on our website (MAP of sightings also on website). Whale reports and observations are sent in by a variety of sources, and Orca Network does not guarantee the accuracy of any report or whale identification.

To Report Whale Sightings:



Killer whales have special protection in Canadian and U.S. waters.
Be sure to educate yourself about new protections, including regulations with specific distances and recommendations for viewing killer whales.

DO NOT APPROACH or position your vessel closer than 200 metres/yards to any killer whale in the U.S.(100 meters/yards in Canada). DO NOT APPROACH or get closer than 100 metres/yards to any other marine mammals or birds, whether on the water or on land.
 The rules apply to all types of boats, including motor boats, sail boats and kayaks, in Washington.

For more information on the Federal Regulations:  NOAA Fisheries website. 


To Report Harassment of Whales:
  • In US waters call NOAA Enforcement at 1-800-853-1964 
  • In CANADIAN waters call DFO Observe Record and Report (ORR) Violations Hotline at 1-800-465-4336
Report the boat name &/or a description of the boat, & get photos/video if at all possible.

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