NOAA sets new whale-protection rules in Puget Sound

NOAA Fisheries recently issued new rules on vessel traffic aimed at protecting Southern Resident killer whales in Washington's Puget Sound.

The new rules prohibit vessels from approaching any killer whale closer than 200 yards and forbid vessels from intercepting a whale or positioning the vessel in its path. This doubles the current approach distance of 100 yards.

The rules go into effect in early May and apply to all types of boats, including powerboats, sailboats and kayaks in Washington's inland waters.

To read the full report on the new rules, click on: http://bit.ly/fzM3gw.