Canada Increases Protections for Pacific Northwest Orcas

SEATTLE (AP) – Canada has approved measures designed to protect endangered orcas in the Pacific Northwest, with some policies going further than laws recently enacted by Washington state.

The Seattle Times reports Canadian agencies announced Friday policies that aim to improve access to food for orcas, including reducing chinook salmon fishing and lessening vessel disturbances on the animals.

Canada also will create sanctuaries for orcas in the Salish Sea, closing the waters to most vessel traffic from June through October.

Vessels in Canadian waters will be required to stay 437 yards (400 meters) away from orcas.

Vessels in Washington water must keep 300 yards (274 meters) away from orcas. The measure was among several bills that Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed last week.
—
Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com