The Pacific Northwest possesses many natural wonders. One of the most fascinating and precious of these is the Southern Resident killer whale population living in the waters of British Columbia and Washington State. Orcas have captured the public’s imagination for decades. As a result, a regional whale-watching industry emerged to cater to residents and tourists who seek to encounter killer whales in the wild—something that one cannot reliably experience in most of the world. Whale watching is relatively common among recreational boaters in Washington State and British Columbia as well.

The enthusiasm of boat owners and tourists for seeing Orcas has led to some vessels operating in very close proximity to these amazing animals. Approaching too quickly, getting too close or making too much noise can disrupt Orcas, keeping them from finding food, socializing, resting and other activities. The Be Whale Wise campaign was started to help protect Orcas from these disturbances.

The purpose of this page is to ask you for your support in spreading the word about the Be Whale Wise campaign. Your assistance will go a long way toward protecting Orcas in the Pacific Northwest. Thank you for your help.

> WDFW will host an online boater engagement workshop Sept 12. 2024 to seek public input for the 1,000 yard regulation starting 2025 | 08/28/2024

> WDFW and partners remind boaters to give Southern Resident Killer Whales in “poor body condition” extra space | 06/28/2024

> Government of Canada announces 2024 protection measures for Southern Resident killer whales | 05/08/2024

> New legislation creates 1,000-yard mandatory vessel buffer around endangered Southern Resident killer whales effective January 2025  |  05/15/2023

> Government of Canada announces protection measures for Southern Resident killer whales  | 04/26/2023

> WDFW and partners remind boaters to give residents extra space in light of new calves  | 02/22/2021

> Washington State announces Commercial Whale Watching Licensing Program  | 01/06/2021

> Canada releases new 2020 orca protections | 05/10/20

> One-third of orca task force recommendations moving forward | 06/03/19

> ‘A huge relief’: calf born to critically endangered southern resident killer whale J Pod | 05/31/19

> New Orca Protections in Canada | 05/13/19 | More Information

> Washington State updates its vessel regulation protecting killer whales to correspond with federal regulations