Originally Posted By: WN1A
[quote=AuntyM]
... One could argue that until steps are taken to reduce the pollution that cause the orcas high toxic loads other protective steps are futile. One could also argue that more effort should be made to increase chinook populations so that the orcas would utilize much more of Puget Sound in the summer. ...


I think these are the most important arguments to make. Rest assured that there are others saying, right now, that these vessel restrictions are unnecessary and that all that is needed is to ban all salmon fishing. I don't believe that, having looked at the orca population dynamics and the salmon numbers, but it is definitely easier to ban fishing than to mandate lifestyle changes that will affect everyone, which is what will be needed to seriously reduce pollution. Remember the orcas are endangered, not threatened. That means that NOAA is very vulnerable to lawsuits if they don't act decisively soon.

Thanks for the very thoughtful comments WN1A.
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Two Dogs