Boaters can “be whale wise” and help protect critically endangered orcas by following a new set of guidelines. Here’s what you need to know.

By Clare Ogle and Conor Agnew, Be Whale Wise

In January 2025, new orca distancing regulations went into effect in Washington state waters. Boaters are now required to stay 1,000 yards away from Southern Resident killer whales, a significant expansion from the previous distance. Additionally, if a Southern Resident approaches within 400 yards, boaters must stop moving until the animal moves away. 

This change was the result of a bipartisan effort in the Washington State Legislature in 2023 to better align with new scientific research on the importance of vessel distance in Southern Resident killer whale recovery.

Read more on why and how