Orca Population Increasing Without San Juan Closure!!! Leave a reply

Whale watching groups, recreational fisherman, kayak groups, and even commercial fisherman have all been united this past summer by NOAA's proposed fishing closure on the west side of San Juan Island.  The consensus has been that this closure is not needed and will adversely effect the local economies, reduce job opportunities, and decrease social opportunities for user groups.  This plan has clearly been pushed forward by radical groups that would like nothing more than to keep you from fishing.

We have stated many times on the show that the population trend for the Southern Resident Puget Sound Orca population is on the rise since the mid 90's.  Our guess was that this was do to an increase in food available for these awesome creatures.  Well the good news is that according to a report from the Center for Whale Research this orca population increased by two in 2009 and another baby was born just after the new year.  The center also acknowledges that this is due to an increase in food supply.  This leads me to the question of: Why does the Center for Whale Research support NOAA's proposals when recreational fishing has been taking place on the west side of San Juan Island during this increase in population?

Recreational fisherman and whale watching groups all have a vested interest in the orca population and seeing it as a healthy and thriving population.  No user group appreciates nature and the outdoors and all that it has to offer more than sportsmen.  Recreational fisherman all have a great respect and appreciation for these magnificent animals.  Our activities do nothing to harm these wonderful creatures and managemnet decisions should not be made using junk science and opinion!