New Washington State Vessel Laws became effective June 12, 2008. Materials to inform boaters on the new laws for Southern Resident Orcas are now available, outlining the state laws as well as an overview of the Endangered Listing Status and State and Federal Laws in the latest edition of the Washington State Parks Adventures in Boating Handbook. In Washington State, it is unlawful to:

• Approach within 100 yards of a killer whale.

• Intercept a killer whale by placing a vessel or allowing a vessel or other object to remain in the path and within 100 yards of a killer whale.

• Fail to immediately disengage a vessel’s transmission within 100 yards of a killer whale.

• Harrass any marine mammal.

Some exemptions apply.

See “Wildlife Viewing” at www.wdfw.wa.gov for more information