SEATTLE, Wash. — A welcome sight Thursday morning: Orcas in the Puget Sound.
Experts say there’s one distinct thing people should know about these pods. They’re killer Biggs, not the endangered Southern Resident Orcas we normally discuss.
But, they were visible at Elliott Bay early Thursday, bringing out spectators and whale enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of this majestic marine wildlife.
Howard Garrett says sightings like these, though not unusual, are special. Those Biggs, or transient killer whales, are on the hunt for food. It’s a search that could end up benefitting our Southern Residents in the long run.
“They’re really doing the Southern Residents a favor by culling a lot of the seals and sea lions that do devour the salmon,” confirms Garrett, Co-Founder and Board President of Orca Network.
“I don’t think they have that pre-arranged,” he continued, “But, it is a de facto help to the Southern Residents.”
Whether it’s the killer Biggs or our Southern Residents, Garrett reminds us that they’re just trying to find food for themselves and their family. They can be easily disturbed if people get too noisy or venture too close.
While these Biggs are mainly going after seals and sea lions, Whitney Neugebauer of Whale Scout, an organization that specializes in land-based whale-watching experiences, says recent legislation should be a deterrent to those sharing the water with marine wildlife.
“I hope people do pay attention to the laws that are out there and heed the warnings because tickets will be handed out,” says Neugebauer. “It’s just really important for people to be respectful.”
Meanwhile, those laws Neugebauer is referring to include statewide legislation enacted January 1 that requires everyone, from large vessels to individual paddleboarders, to keep their distance.
The intent to protect our Southern Residents is clear. Washington State law now requires all watercraft to stay 1,000 yards away from orcas.
That includes motorized boats and ships. But, also kayaks and paddleboarders.
“Managers are very serious about vessels and whales being too close,” warns Neugebauer. “And, the main reason is so that the noise levels are dropping so that the whales are able to navigate, communicate, and find prey.”
If one of our Southern Residents gets within 400 yards, boaters must shut off their engines, luff their sails, or stop paddling.
Otherwise, the penalty is costly. Violations are punishable with a $500 fine.
It could be worse, though. Compare that penalty to British Columbia, Canada, where a woman was recently fined $2,500 for getting too close to an orca while riding her paddleboard.
As for our waters, there’s also the “Quiet Sound” Program. It’s a voluntary effort to reduce the impact of commercial vessels on our marine ecosystems.
All of which could help sightings, like today’s, become more and more commonplace.
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