Bellingham boater fined $1,000 for nearly hitting endangered killer whale; first NOAA case using video evidence.
A Bellingham boater was fined $1,000 for nearly hitting an endangered Southern Resident killer whale off San Juan Island in 2022. This incident marks the first time NOAA has used video evidence to prosecute recreational boaters causing dangerous encounters for wildlife. Starting in 2025, state regulations will require boaters to maintain a minimum distance of 1,000 yards from endangered whales at all times. The Southern Resident killer whales currently number 74, and both US and Canadian groups list the species as at-risk, with vessel noise and decreasing salmon populations posing significant challenges.
August 08, 2024
3 Articles