UNITED STATES


Washington’s boatyards are work- ing to do their part as well. Many sport innovative new stormwater treatment systems that filter and remove up to 99% of copper and a brand-new statewide Clean Boatyard certification program was just launched through Washington’s new Clean Boating Foundation.


Orca Whales


Completing the big, big picture There is probably no greater thrill to be had in cruising Northwest waters than happening upon a pod of orca whales. These largest members of the dolphin family are magnificent predators and have become icons of northwest waters. They are also en- dangered, primarily due to toxic pol- lution and an increasingly scarce food supply. Resident orca pods feed mostly on salmon and can be found in predictable locations in the sum- mer months- oſten near fishing boats that target the same quarry. Research shows resident orcas rely almost ex- clusively on Chinook salmon - the scarcest but largest and fattiest of all salmon, which is also the source of their toxic loading, a one-two punch that is putting them at risk. There is a third element too- boat traffic. Orcas rely on their built-in sonar mechan- isms to locate their prey. Underwater noise from heavy boat traffic- whale watchers, fishing boats and cruisers in prime orca feeding areas is making it more difficult for them to locate and catch their increasingly rare prey. To reflect this, new whale watch-


ing rules are in effect in the San Juan Islands. Boaters are now instructed to stay at least 200 yards away and to stop their vessel if whales happen to come closer. Boaters should never in- tentionally intercept or follow whales. With these guidelines there is still ample opportunity to observe orcas and other mammals in the wild and a few lucky boaters will undoubtedly be treated to up-close encounters even if they are sitting still. More information is at www.bewhalewise.org.


Dannielle Hayes Photo


Sitting at the top of the food chain, orcas are emblematic of the health of the ecosystem. Whether its reducing pollutants like copper from antifouling paint or from land- based stormwater, cleaner water will help protect the entire food chain including our sal- mon and orcas. We will undoubt- edly need a few more salmon to successfully re- cover our orca populations and


keep them healthy enough and to pass on the incredible experience of chance encounter to future genera- tions.


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www.suncruiser.ca I 2012 SunCruiser WEST COAST


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