Watching
Note: "Cedric" and "Mary" are the names given to the characters by Brenda during her people-watching days, Cedric's "real" name is unknown, but in series one episode "Repenting" Brenda reveals that she has talked to her and that "Mary"'s real name is Freda.
Watching
A commercial whale watching licensing program was established by the Washington State Legislature in 2019 and put into effect in 2021. This program includes an annual license and requirements that must be met by businesses and individuals who meet the state's definition of commercial whale watching (see RCW 77.65.615 section 11). Commercial whale watching businesses, operators, and kayak guides need to apply annually for their license(s), which includes completion of the annual required training. Rules and requirements for commercial whale watching, including requirements for the viewing of Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW), are in effect.Please see the information below, and reach out to WDFW staff if you have questions.
As part of the commercial whale watching licensing program, WDFW will provide training for commercial operators to support reporting, and compliance monitoring procedures, including real-time reporting of SRKW sightings to the Whale Report Alert System.
During the windows where commercial whale watching operators may view SRKW at closer than 1/2 nautical mile, there is a limit of three motorized commercial whale watching vessels allowed with a single group of SRKW. However, per WAC 220-460-110(2), motorized commercial whale watching vessels are not to approach (within 1/2 nautical mile) a group of SRKW containing a calf under the age of one or a whale that the department has deemed sick or vulnerable.
In spring 2019, the Washington Legislature passed Senate Bill 5577: a bill concerning the protection of Southern Resident Orca Whales from vessels, which established a license for commercial whale watching and directed the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to administer the licensing program and develop rules for commercial viewing of Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW). (See RCW 77.65.615 and RCW 77.65.620)The Department developed rules for commercial viewing of SRKW in 2020. The final rules were filed on December 23, 2020 and went into effect January 23, 2021, with the exceptions of sections 020 describing the license application process and requiring a license to operate and section 140 specifying compliance, training, and reporting requirements (which went into effect May 1, 2021).
The Department began selling annual commercial whale watching licenses in February 2021, and operators were required to have a license to operate starting May 1, 2021 (this date was updated from March 1 by WDFW via emergency rule).In spring 2021, the Washington Legislature passed a bill (ESB 5330) that modified the license structure and fees and waived the commercial whale watching license fees in 2021 and 2022. The Governor signed the legislation, and it took effect on May 12, 2021. WDFW modified the commercial whale watching license application to align with the new law and worked with applicants to adjust to the updated application process.
Annual commercial whale watching licenses are required for all commercial whale watching businesses, operators, and kayak guides, and the rules related to commercial whale watching and viewing of SRKW are in effect.
The Department will complete an analysis and report to the governor and the legislature on the effectiveness of and any recommendations for changes to the whale watching rules, license fee structure, and approach distance rules by November 30, 2022, and every two years thereafter until 2026.
Do I need a license? As of May 1, 2021, a commercial whale watching license is required for commercial whale watching businesses including motorized, sailing, and sea kayak tour operations. Licenses are also required for vessel operators and kayak guides.
How much does a commercial whale watching license cost? The business license has a $200 annual cost, in addition to the $75 annual application fee. Additional fees vary based on motorized vessel passenger capacity, if applicable. Besides the business license, each operator of a commercial whale watching vessel is required to get an operator license, which costs $100 plus a $75 application fee. Each guide who leads kayak tours on behalf of a sea kayak tour company is required to get a kayak guide license, which costs $25 plus a $25 application fee. You can calculate your fees using the fee information in RCW 77.65.615.
How often should I renew my license? Commercial whale watching licenses expire at midnight on December 31st of the calendar year for which they are issued. Licenses may be renewed annually upon application and payment of the applicable license fees.
Do I need to take a training? Yes. All business, operator, and kayak guide license holders must complete annual training from the department on marine mammals, distances on the water, impacts of whale watching on marine mammals, and southern resident killer whale-related rules and reporting. Naturalists and others who work on commercial whale watching vessels but are not license holders are encouraged to attend.
How did the department develop the rules for commercial whale watching of SRKW? These rules represent a year-long process with guidance from WDFW's Commercial Whale Watching Licensing Program Advisory Committee, an intergovernmental coordination group and an independent science panel. In addition to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) process, the rules were also informed by reports summarizing the science and analyzing economic impacts on small businesses. The Commission also received input from more than 4,000 commenters on the draft rules. More information is available on our rule making web page.
Explore this section to find links to downloadable PDF reports, species ID guides, a table of guidelines and regulations from around the world, a glossary of whale-watching terms, and a fully searchable database of over 300 reports and peer-reviewed articles on whale watching.
This Handbook is designed to support managers, regulators, operators and anyone interested in whale watching. It is a flexible and evolving tool incorporating international best practice, educational resources and a summary of the latest, relevant scientific information. Content has been drafted and sourced in consultation with IWC and CMS affiliated scientists and managers from around the world, and is reviewed each year at the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission.
The IWC is the intergovernmental forum for the conservation of whales. It first recognised the economic and educational importance of whale watching in 1975, and the need to ensure whale watching is conducted responsibly.
This Handbook is designed to support managers, regulators, operators and anyone interested in whale watching. It is a flexible and evolving tool incorporating international best practice, educational resources and a summary of the latest, relevant scientific information.
Background: Television (TV) watching, a major sedentary behavior in the United States, has been associated with obesity. We hypothesized that prolonged TV watching may increase risk for type 2 diabetes.
Methods: In 1986, 37 918 men aged 40 to 75 years and free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer completed a detailed physical activity questionnaire. Starting from 1988, participants reported their average weekly time spent watching TV on biennial questionnaires.
Conclusions: Increasing physical activity is associated with a significant reduction in risk for diabetes, whereas a sedentary lifestyle indicated by prolonged TV watching is directly related to risk. Our findings suggest the importance of reducing sedentary behavior in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Approximately 18,000 whales cruise the coastline with prime whale watching in March, April, May, June and mid-December to mid-January. Smaller numbers can be spotted during the summer months and early fall.
There are about 200 whales that enjoy Oregon's mild weather so much they stay all summer long, feeding just offshore. Excellent whale watching can be had all along Oregon's 363-mile (584-km) coastline, so check out some of these great places to watch any time of year.
My fiance and I had the best time! Their naturalist, Sabrina, was incredibly resourceful and came around at these end to see if we'd had any questions. I would highly recommend Captain John's whale watching!
This diversity of cetacean species offers a great opportunity to whale watch year-round. The most common sightings are of gray whales from mid- to late-December through mid-March, blue and humpback whales during the summer, and common dolphins throughout the entire year. Whales and dolphins can be seen either from shore or from a boat. The best shore viewing is from a high spot on a point that juts out into the ocean. Some examples include Point Dume in Malibu, the Palos Verdes Peninsula near Los Angeles, and Point Loma in San Diego. The park visitor center has a tower with telescopes, which can be used for whale watching as well as island viewing. Watching in the early morning hours, before the wind causes whitecaps on the water's surface, will provide you with the best opportunity to see whales from shore.
Closer viewing of whales is possible from public whale watching boats or private boats. Whales have been known to approach boats quite closely. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, boaters must stay at least 100 yards from whales unless the whale chooses to approach the boat.
Cruise Monterey Bay and observe the sea otters, seals, pelicans and other bay life. Experience adventures on the high seas where you can participate in deep sea fishing or catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales. Go for a peaceful sailing cruise. Fisherman's Wharf has it all. Fun for the whole family! Note: many whale watching companies are open daily throughout the holiday season except Christmas Day. 041b061a72