New research informs safer passenger-only ferry operations in orca habitat
SEATTLE, Washington (January 13, 2026) – Quiet Sound, a collaborative program of Maritime Blue dedicated to reducing commercial vessel impacts on the endangered Southern Resident killer whales, publishes guidance for passenger-only ferries operating in whale critical habitat.
Nearly all of Puget Sound is designated as Southern Resident killer whale critical habitat. Underwater noise from commercial vessels impairs communication, and vessel presence alone reduces hunting efforts. Passenger-only ferries, which operate at speeds up to 30 knots, want to reduce the risk of striking a whale, as recently happened with a passenger-only ferry in British Columbia.
A constellation of car and passenger-only ferry routes currently connect Puget Sound counties. However, service disruptions and limited route capacity present access challenges for residents and obstacles for tourism-dependent businesses. As a result, there has been growing interest in increasing passenger-only ferry capacity in Washington. HB 1923, colloquially called the ‘Mosquito Fleet Bill’, would expand the number of transit agencies able to offer passenger-only ferry services. It was first introduced in the 2025 legislative session.
While increased passenger ferry routes could reduce road congestion and promote equitable access to ferry service, it could have negative impacts on the endangered orcas. In response, Quiet Sound conducted a rapid review of best practices for safe operation of these vessels in Southern Resident killer whale critical habitat. Interviews with current operators, including Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry, King County Water Taxi, and FRS Clipper Ferry, and a review of the scientific literature illuminated five key best practices:
- Know the rules: Understand regulations and learn about local whale behavior.
- Have a plan: Define and implement operational measures to reduce underwater noise impact and strike risk.
- Be whale aware: Report whale sightings, improve whale detection capabilities, and receive whale alerts.
- Assess your impact: Understand your fleet’s noise signature and relevant quieting measures (operational or technical).
- Design for the future: Prioritize underwater radiated noise reduction in vessel design and retrofits.
Quiet Sound’s engagement found that current operators are well-informed about safe practices and eager to learn more.
“Many of our captains and crew came to the transit world from naturalist roles, and are well-trained in whale behavior. We appreciate programs like Quiet Sound working to ensure ferry operators have the tools they need to reduce vessel impacts on whales,” said Terry Federer, Marine Division Director at King County Metro Water Taxi.
Moreover, current operators can serve as a resource to guide future operators.
“Environmental stewardship is a key value of Kitsap Transit. As the region thinks about expanding ferry services, we’re happy to be a resource and partner in ensuring safe operation in whale habitat,” said John Clauson, Executive Director of Kitsap Transit.
Washington State Representative Greg Nance, author of the HB 1923 ‘Mosquito Fleet’ Bill, is collaborating with the Quiet Sound program to ensure that current, and future operators, are aware of these best practices and are supported in implementing them.
“Expanding passenger-only ferry service must go hand in hand with protecting Southern Resident killer whales,” said Rep. Greg Nance. “Quiet Sound’s science-based guidance gives current and future operators the tools they need to reduce risk, operate responsibly, and ensure that increased mobility does not come at the expense of orca recovery.”
Rep. Greg Nance intends to reintroduce the bill in the 2026 legislative session.
The best practices document is available on the Quiet Sound website. Quiet Sound’s coalition (including representation from: The Makah Tribe, Maritime Blue, Natural Resources Defense Council, NOAA, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, Northwest Seaport Alliance, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, Puget Sound Partnership, Seattle Aquarium, U.S. Coast Guard (advisors), Washington State Ferries) remains committed to serving as a resource for state agencies, conservation organizations, and passenger-only ferry operators seeking to expand their services in a whale-safe way.
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Media contact:
Rachel Aronson, Maritime Blue | rachel@maritimeblue.org
About Quiet Sound
Quiet Sound is an award-winning, non-regulatory coalition whose goal is to better understand and reduce the cumulative effects of acoustic and physical disturbance from large commercial vessels on Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) throughout their range in Washington state. Quiet Sound is a program of the nonprofit Maritime Blue, a strategic alliance dedicated to accelerating innovation in the Blue Economy.
About Maritime Blue
Maritime Blue is a strategic alliance propelling the Pacific Northwest toward global leadership in ocean-based innovation. We foster collaboration among industry, government, academia, communities, and investors to create sustainable maritime and ocean industries. We empower our region to thrive in the Blue Economy by accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship, centering equity, addressing climate change, restoring marine ecosystems, and building a diverse workforce. Learn more at www.maritimeblue.org. Stay up to date on Maritime Blue news on LinkedIn and join our Mailing List.