Group finalizes endangered orcas proposals with ban on tours

SEATTLE – A Washington state task force on critically endangered Northwest orcas has offered its full slate of recommendations to Gov. Jay Inslee ahead of the next legislative session.

The group advising the governor wants to temporarily suspend whale-watching boat tours focused on those whales, one of three dozen recommendations to save a population that is at its lowest in over 30 years.

Disturbances and noise from boats can interfere with the whale’s ability to find food or communicate, and supporters said it would protect the whales.

Critics said it doesn’t address the larger issue of dwindling food supply and it would be devastating for the industry.

Inslee said he will review the proposals before finalizing his state budget and policy priorities next month.