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NOAA proposing new whale-watch guidelines for the San Juan islands
chiquita_nootka <expeditionpaddlers@…>
07/29/09 #6721
Here's a forwarded message from a south sound Seattle Kayak Club regarding NOAA's new proposal and the Endangered Orca whales
*If interested in joining us for paddles in 'whale-country', we'll be going around Allyn & Burrows islands tonight and are planning a kayak-camping trip for this weekend, Fri-Sun…We strictly adhere to all Whale Wise guidelines and are equipped with a brand new hydrophone! ~jz & nbz
This is important information for every club whose members may be interested in seeing orcas from a kayak or whale watch boat off San Juan Island.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a proposed new regulation of vessel traffic to protect the endangered Southern Resident killer whales. It changes existing federal guidelines and San Juan County regulations in significant ways because of the ongoing dangers that vessel traffic, including sea kayaks, pose to the orcas. The following are most significant to kayakers:
1. Virtually the entire west side of San Juan Island, from shore to 1/2 mile out, will be a mandatory “no-go zone.” This means no kayak launching from San Juan County Park.
2. No “parking” in the orcas' likely path. This means no paddling to Lime Kiln Point and just sitting in the water in your boat. I believe this is in addition to the no-go zone, so you can't even just sit in your boat more than a half mile off shore.
3. The 100-yard no-approach county and state rules will be changed to a federal 200 yard rule.
NMFS will hold a public meeting in Seattle on Sept. 30. Comments on the proposal must be in by Oct. 27.
Comments are important. There is no question that the orcas need protection and a new regulation is essential. Some will say this proposal is too weak. Many scientists think 400 yards is a minimum no-approach zone that should be required. However, that does not mean that no part of these rules is too weak. Nor does it mean that kayakers cannot offer meaningful input and suggestions. There may be ways to accomodate kayakers' needs that don't further jeopardize the orcas significantly.
NMFS is required to review and consider all public comments. The folks at NMFS take this responsibility seriously and in good faith. That means input from clubs and individual kayakers is important.
One important area for comments is about the San Juan County Park launch site. NMFS has simply ignored any mention of the park or its significance to kayakers. Comments on this issue will be very important, since the final rule will certainly deal with the park. If you do comment, think about how you think it should be managed. Is there a difference based on group size? Private kayakers vs. commercial outfitters? Launch and immediately paddle 1/2 mile west from the shoreline?
Please look over the proposal and consider filing comments.
Randy Brook
Speaker for the Fleet
Seattle Sea Kayak Club
Re: NOAA proposing new whale-watch guidelines for the San Juan islands
Reivers Dustin
07/29/09 #6722
Kayaks or other human powered vessels do not pose a proximity risk to these animals. Wind powered, maybe but not much. Complicate this by the fact that the Orca's mobility is far greater than a human powered vessel. Vessels with sanitation facilities and motorized vessels need attention, but having other craft in the rules cheapens this whole effort.
RD
Re: NOAA proposing new whale-watch guidelines for the San Juan islands
chiquita_nootka <expeditionpaddlers@…>
07/29/09 #6723
There are many researchers, non-profit leaders and federal agency employees who believe that kayakers as much as power boaters, can be having a detrimental affect to the well-being of the Endangered Orcas…hence, the current proposal of stricter regulations for all boaters with regards to increased distances.
We have witnessed blatant, repeated violations by kayakers here in the San Juan islands and up in Johnstone Strait. These hyper-intelligent whales can be startled easily by our quiet kayaks, sometimes becoming separated from their pod members, which can be traumatizing to a mother with a young calf- same theory applies to seals and other marine life…Or, when a tour or a large group of kayaks is not rafted up, the whales must use more energy to 'keep tabs' of our muliple quite kayak locations, verses one power boat they can easily hear and track…etc. Bottom line, just because we don't have a motor does not mean we are invisible to the whales- especially when paddling directly at them! While we may not be filling their bodies with toxins as other boats & industries are/have been, we still are having an impact on their environment, just by being there…
The westside of San Juan island is currently a virtual sea kayak freeway in the summer months, with non-stop commercial tours launching daily from the county park and paddling masses into the already restricted-to power-boat waters in front of Lime Kiln State Park…I support the need for the current proposed increased federal regulations and will plan on attending the public hearing to express my opinions, hope to see you there.
~nbz_
As stated on the Soundwatch Boater Education webpage:
“Last year more than 500,000 people went whale watching in the Salish Sea from approximately 80 commercial powerboats. It is estimated that another 3,000-8,000 engaged in whale watching from pleasure boats, and 10,000 from kayaks.
Although ongoing scientific studies have not shown that the presence of numerous boats negatively affects resident orcas, like any wild animals, they must have enough space to forage for food, sleep, mate and play in their traditional habitat. Therefore, since 1993 on nearly a daily basis during the peak whale-watching season, Soundwatch crews and volunteers have monitored boater activity near whales.”
Soundwatch Boater Education Program- has developed K.E.L.P
San Juan Islands Kayaker Marine Stewardship Training PADDLE BY THE CODE & HELP PROTECT MARINE WILDLIFE! Kayak Education and Leadership Program
Re: NOAA proposing new whale-watch guidelines for the San Juan islands
Jeff Hegedus <jhegedus@…>
07/29/09 #6724
Yes, I agree, give them space when on the water. But don't tell me where I can or can't launch, or where I can or can't pull water.
