Hood Canal Environmental Council Blog
Figure 1: Surrounded Orcas
Whales, Boats, and Seaplanes
September, 2024 - Orcas are a remarkable sight anywhere, anytime. The sound of Orcas blowing can make heads turn instinctively. And with some luck, one can experience all this together with the beauty of the Hood Canal and the majestic Olympic Mountains in the background.
We have all heard or watched nature documentaries or seen TikTok clips of people enjoying wildlife, sometimes too close for comfort and human safety. Not only is this dangerous for the people engaging in the activity and the wildlife, but it can also cost you. Check out the list of violations on the link below that can be reported and carry significant fines. Now compare them to the photos we include of recent incidents that include kayaks, boats and even a seaplane that flew, followed, and landed by Orcas as they traversed.
Please enjoy nature mindfully, safely and within the guidelines. In a recent development, starting in January 2025, all boats will be required to stay at least 1,000 feet away from any endangered orcas in Washington waters. Learn more and report incidents at https://www.bewhalewise.org/
Check out why, like most of us, Orcas like to dine without dinning by humans and machines around them. https://www.kuow.org/stories/shhh-the-orcas-can-t-hear-their-dinner-4751
Figure 2: This kayaker could've been hurt
Figure 3: Full throttle in proximity.