MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — The state Fish and Wildlife Commission says new regulations for whale watching in Washington waters will take effect in 2021 in an effort to protect endangered orcas.

According to rules approved last week, from July through September commercial whale watching companies can view Southern Resident orcas during two, two-hour periods daily.

The rules restrict the number of commercial vessels to three within a half-mile of the whales and include penalties for violations.

The new regulations do not restrict the viewing of other whales or marine mammals.