Washington state task force calls for whale-watching boat tour ban to protect orcas

SEATTLE — The Washington state task force on critically endangered Pacific Northwest orcas wants to temporarily ban commercial whale-watching boat tours.
The group advising the governor voted Tuesday to recommend a three- to five-year moratorium in order to reduce boating traffic and help orcas hunting for food.
Orcas have hit the lowest numbers in more than three decades, capturing global attention as starvation has caused their deaths. Just 74 animals remain in the area.
Researchers say