Establishes a 1,000-yard vessel setback distance from southern resident orcas for most kinds of vessels and provides additional exemptions from the distance restrictions.
Directs the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to develop and conduct various outreach and education efforts on the vessel distance restrictions in coordination with a diverse array of entities and other state agencies.
Directs the WDFW to develop a transboundary plan to implement the vessel distance restrictions with input from British Columbia and international whale organizations.
Directs the WDFW to provide a report to the Legislature within one year of the southern resident orca population reaching 70 or fewer animals that includes updates on pod health and enforcement of 1,000 yard distance requirements.
Modifies the commercial whale watching business license fees by removing fee structures for each vessel based on the number of passengers and eliminating certain other fees.
Creates paddle tour business and paddle guide licenses with associated fees in place of kayak guide licenses and distinct from commercial whale watching business licenses.
From the Engrossed Substitute House Bill Report (ESSB 5371), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗
Enacted (partial veto)Enacted with partial veto · Chapter 452, Laws of 2023