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Lifeforce Petition

Petition to Protect Endangered Orcas

Please join Lifeforce in our petition campaign to protect endangered orcas in Waters off Point Roberts, WA, by sending a polite email to Secretary Gary Locke.

Full Name:

Email:

Country:

State/Province:

Subject:

Message:

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Whereas, Both the US and Canadian governments have designated orcas as endangered species and have implemented Orca Recovery Plans;

Whereas, Orcas, also known as killer whales, are the largest members of the dolphin family. All family members live together for their entire lives in “pods.” The Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) is the J, K and L pods. While Js spend most of their lives in B.C. and Washington waters the Ks and Ls usually return in June and will stay until the winter. There are less than 90 orcas in total. Local waters off Point Roberts are a critical habitat;

Whereas, The population of Southern Resident Killer Whales has been harmed by aquarium captures, human overfishing, boat traffic and human-made pollution;

Whereas, Washington Governor Gregoire took action to sign into law on March 28, 2008 legislation that further bolsters efforts to protect resident orcas. The new law (HB 2514) establishes a 300-foot zone around orca whales that vessels must avoid. The law provides the Department of Fish and Wildlife with enforcement tools. In addition, the new San Juan Island Ordinance No. 35 – 2007 regulates the operation of vessels in proximity to SRKWs and established fines of $750 for violations such as failing to yield to orcas in San Juan County waters;

Whereas, When orcas are present on the west side of San Juan Island, there is a Special Orca Viewing Areas that is a 1/4 mile voluntary no motor boat zone. There is a 1/2 mile zone around the Lime Kiln Washington State Park. Whereas, Lighthouse Marine Park in Point Roberts is also a popular whale watch park. The Voluntary No Boat Zone would provide the orcas with a protected area around their favourite feeding and socializing areas. The Zone would also provide park visitors with Special Orca Viewing Areas;

Whereas, The commercial whale watching fleet are still blocking the pathways of orcas, approaching within 100 meters and are positioning themselves between the orcas and the shore. Their self-policing and the system itself are not working;

Whereas, Further action is essential in order to guarantee that these magnificent orcas are truly protected;

Be It Therefore Resolved that I urge Gary Locke, Secretary of Commerce, to provide sufficient funding to the National Marine Fisheries Service for the enforcement of marine mammal protection laws and regulations.
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Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your State/Province], [Your Country]