The following items are not listed in order of priority. Some depend on funding not currently secured, and some require more effort during the year than others but are not less or more significant that those that require less effort.
Orca protection Develop a regulatory approach to prevent chasing of whales by boaters.
Evaluate available information regarding potential causes of the decline in the local area orca population, identify relevant regulations used in other jurisdictions, and prepare draft policy and regulations for county action to the Board of County Commissioners. Participate in a workshop with the Board and invited participants on the potential scope of county action, to be scheduled no later than March 2001. Continue to monitor self-regulation of the whale watch industry and maintain routine communications with Soundwatch program representatives. Forage fish habitat protection Subject to funding approvals, complete the assessment and mapping of specific spawning sites, establish priorities for preservation, restoration and enhancement, and help to inform property owners and the general public about the importance of this resource. If funded, begin on-site sampling in 2001 for the highest priority potential spawning sites.