Soundwatch Funding:

The program relies primarily upon donations. Annual expenses for Soundwatch average $100,000; however, that amount does not allow the Soundwatch boat to be on the water every day that it is needed.

If you would like to contribute to this important cause, please click the "Donate Now" button below & indicate that the donation is for Soundwatch ... or e-mail the Soundwatch Coordinator at soundwatch@whalemuseum.org or call (360) 378-4710, ext. 33.

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Summary of
VESSEL INCIDENTS

Soundwatch Boater Education Program

The boundary waters of the U.S. San Juan and Canadian Gulf islands, known as the Salish Sea, are one of the highest density whale-watching areas in the world. The boating traffic is high in the peak whale-watching season of May--September, not only for watching whales but for other activities such as sailing, kayaking and fishing. Whale Watching in the San Juan Islands >>

The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program was created to respond to that traffic and its effects on marine species.

Although known primarily for educating whale watchers, Soundwatch also monitors areas within the San Juan County Marine Stewardship Area.

For a detailed program description of Soundwatch, click here. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read this file.)

For a description of the Soundwatch Kayaker Education Program (K.E.L.P.), click here.


Current Regulations & Guidelines (including Federal Law and Be Whale Wise) -- click here

Notices for Boaters

The Soundwatch Boater Education Program updates boaters on advisory notices relative to marine wildlife and research in the San Juan area. Download Boater Notices here.

NOAA Small Vessel Permitted Research

KELP Education Program and the NEW 2010 vessel permit requirements at the San Juan County Park

Boater Education Guidelines and Marine Stewardship Area Maps

The Soundwatch Boater Education Program promotes responsible boating practices for boaters and kayakers in the San Juan/Haro Strait Region. Download boater guidelines and marine stewardship area maps here.

Boater Education Slide Shows

The Soundwatch Boater Education Program offers Marine Stewardship Trainings to a variety of different commercial and recreational boating and kayaking clubs and organizations. Download Slide Shows of the Soundwatch Boater Education Be Whale Wise Program and the Kayaker Marine Stewardship Training.

Soundwatch Program Reports

The Soundwatch Boater Education Program generates annual program activity reports and vessel data reports characterizing vessel trends Southern Resident killer whales. You can view these reports and recent papers that have been presented here.

2007 ANPR Comments by The Whale Museum

2009 Comments by The Whale Museum on the Proposed Federal Regulations

Click here to review summaries of Vessel Incidents

return to The Whale Museum home page

Orcas in Resting Formation

Welcome to The Whale Museum

The Whale Museum is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization registered with the Secretary of State in Olympia, Washington. b