Shilshole Blog

The Port has, again, pushed out the completion of the restrooms/laundry/paving project another month, now not expected to be completed til the end of September.  Read their latest update here…

The closure to boaters has been extended another 30 days, again, until Sept 20th.  Unfortunately, this has put a huge strain on the harbors and parks in the San Juans, but I’m sure the businesses appreciate the patronage during these times.

The Canadian small businesses are no doubt suffering, as the American boater is a huge part of their clientele.  Next year when Canada opens up, do your part to help them out…buying fuel, groceries, eating and dining out.

We have the incredible benefit of having these beautiful creatures right here in our own back yard!  With summer boating in high gear, your chance of an encounter with them is pretty good but please, be a good boater and respect the laws regarding distance and speed.  They are in place to protect the orca’s feeding, echolocation and travel.  Many are also pregnant now and their survival rates are low.

Washington State Law

• Boats to stay 300 yards from Southern Resident orcas or killer whales on either side.
• Boats to stay 400 yards out of Southern Resident orca’s path/in front and behind the whales
• Boats to go slow (<7 knots) within ½ mile of Southern Resident orcas
• Disengage engines if whales appear within 300 yards.

Boats to stay 100 yards from all other marine mammals (e.g. humpback whales, gray whales, sea lions and seals).

You’ve seen the flyers on the gates and at boat ramps:  Be Whale Wise outlines the rules and no-boat zones.

You can also report sightings and get information at the Orca Network.

Here is a great article by Andy Cross published in July’s 48°North Magazine…

https://48north.com/cruising/cruising-technique/anchoring-etiquette/

As we know, the parking has been a mess here at Shilshole.  With the Mayor’s continued closure of the Golden Gardens parking lot and Golden Gardens Drive, the overflow has adversely affected us here in the marina.  The marina manager, Jo, and operations supv., Dale, have added extra security at the north end, have closed off several entrances and are working hard to finalize the ticketing and towing of illegally parked vehicles in our lot.  Unfortunately, it is delayed at the Port of Seattle main office and needs our input to facilitate the approval.  Here is the contact info of the Port of Seattle Commissioners.