12:05 PM: Transient killer whales are back in the area after several sightings in recent days. Kersti Muul just sent word that transient orcas are in view from Alki, passing the mouth of Elliott Bay, southbound. Murky weather again, so you’ll need binoculars and rain gear.
3:17 PM: See comments for updates from people seeing the whales – currently reported to be passing Lincoln Park!
Where is mud channel? Never heard of it! WS resident since 1985
Now westbound in Elliott bay west of docked cruise ship view from Duwamish head
Saw 3 of them about 10 minutes ago, headed toward the arroyos. south of the fauntleroy ferry dock, close to shore. about 3:15.
Just had a sighting from 3:20 ferry to Fauntleroy. Mid channel heading south
Passed through the Arroyos – looks like on the way to Tacoma – around 3:30.
There’s a new whale watching boat in town, the ‘Orca 1’ and its sister boat the ‘Orca 2’ will be out in June.I have reported this boat already twice in two weeks. Today it barreled through the T123s and T124C while eating and displaced them and eventually T124C went out of the bay alone, and rejoined them near Three Tree Point. The boat continued to leapfrog them and was WELL within the 200/400 yard guidelines for transient killer whales.I have sent in a report to NOAA with photos and video. I and others have also emailed the company to let them know we won’t tolerate this in West Seattle.If you see this boat in violation of the Be Whale Wise guidelines, or harrassing marine wildlife please report to NOAA enforcement. 1-800-853-1964 Take pictures if possible and video. It is important to show intention and boat under power, it’s impossible to get a citation without these items. Thank you
Kersti, Thanks for being on top of this one. I sent an inquiry to WDFW as well. Last year this vessel was seen “whale watching” on several occasions, but was not licensed through WDFW as a commercial whale watch vessel. I’m not sure if they are licensed for 2022 (they are not a member of the Pacific Whale Watch Association).
It’s time to take orca protection seriously and that means NO commercial whale-watching boats. Their very purpose is to invade orca space for profit. The fact that they are still allowed is evidence of the hypocrisy of lawmakers who continue to value lobbying dollars over protection. Just like climate change legislation: lots of lip service, zero action.
Thank you for the information, Kersti. Here’s my shot from yesterday (April 18th) showing Orca 1’s concerning proximity. Even considering the ambiguity of perspective, it looks fairly obvious they were not attempting to maintain an appropriate distance. I felt uncomfortable with their ‘assertive’ navigating and I’m relatively new to whale watching.
Sorry, comment time is over.
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