Since 1998, the number of active commercial and recreational whale watching activities on-scene with the Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) (SRKWs) has increased exponentially, leaving many to wonder how such an influx of traffic and incidents can further harm the already dangerously endangered population and the Salish Sea habitat. This study focused on the observed behaviors exhibited by the Southern Residents in response to reported incident types, the correlation between the two, and the relationship between vessel traffic and incident cases. Data was collected through continuous monitoring while I was a data intern for the Soundwatch Boater Education Program from June-October, 2020. Soundwatch monitored for seven incident types and recorded observed behavioral responses by the SRKWs that would later be categorized for further specificity. All incidents and SRKW responses were recorded using ODK Collect and later uploaded to ODK Aggregate. With support from past data, we concluded that the Southern Residents respond to harmful vessel trends in close proximity with short-term behavioral changes. The most alarming consequence of these changes is the reduced time spent foraging and the resulting potential reduction in prey consumption. Although it is unknown if these short-term behavioral changes affect the population dynamics, it is likely that because Southern Residents are exposed to vessels most of the daylight hours they are in inland waters, there may be biologically relevant effects at the population level that will become more obvious as time goes on. Furthermore, because we are seeing a steady increase in vessel traffic and with it, vessel incidents, it is recommended that this and other supporting data be taken into consideration when drafting new laws and regulations for boaters around the Southern Residents and in the Salish Sea to preserve and nurture their critically endangered populations and this unique, vital habitat. All data was submitted to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and will be used to draft legislation requesting that SRKW critical habitat and feeding grounds be protected under the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Data was also included in the 2020 Soundwatch Program Annual Contract Report.