Concerns increase over crowds viewing orcas in South Sound

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Neighbors and whale experts are becoming concerned about the number of people trying to get a close look at the orcas that have wandered into Eld Inlet recently.

The Tacoma News Tribune reports that boaters, kayakers and paddle boarders are flocking to see the orcas, but they're also crowding them.

Kim Merriman, who lives on the inlet, says up to 20 boats or kayaks are out there at a time and when they get close to the whales, they sometimes separate the pod or trap them.

Howard Garrett with Orca Network says people should follow the guidelines at bewhalewise.org when they see orcas. People should never be within 200 yards of a whale and boats should go slow if they're within 400 yards.

Garrett says the biggest problem is the acoustic disturbance people cause. Orcas communicate, navigate and find food though using sound in the water. Boat motors can mask those sounds.