NOAA Fisheries Service listed the Southern Resident killer whales as endangered under the Endangered Species (ESA) on Nov. 18, 2005. The agency identified vessel effects, including physical interference and sound, as a potential contributing factor in the population’s decline.

The proposed regulations would set up, beginning in spring of 2010, a half-mile-wide “No-Go Zone” along the entire west side of San Juan Island from May 1 through the end of September where many types of vessels, including recreational anglers, would be prohibited from entering.

Public Meetings: The Northwest Region will hold public meetings on the proposed vessel regulations, below, so people can learn more about them and provide comments. The meetings will be:

Sept. 24, 2009, 7-9 p.m., Pier One Main Warehouse, 100 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes, Wash.

Sept. 30, 2009, 7-9 p.m., Seattle Aquarium, Pier 59, Seattle, Wash.
Oct. 5, 2009, 7-9 p.m., The Grange Hall, First Street, Friday Harbor, Wash.
Sept. 17, 2009, Federal Register notice on public meetings (PDF 49KB)