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British Columbia: DFO Authorizes Preparation for Luna Reunification Effort |
| June 2, 2004 |
Source: Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center
 | Luna's interations with people and boats in Gold River have been putting both the public and the whale at risk.
Photo: Cal Dawson |
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) yesterday authorized the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre to begin preparing for an operation that aims to reunite Luna with his pod.
Luna (L98) is a solitary juvenile killer whale who has resided at the mouth of the Gold River in Nootka Sound, B.C. since 2001. Concerns that Luna’s interactions with boats and local residents are putting the whale and people at risk have prompted DFO to announce its intention to attempt a reunification effort with Luna’s pod (L Pod).
Two rescue plans have been proposed. “Plan A” involves leading Luna out of Nootka Sound for a natural reunion with L Pod. The plan depends on the unlikely event that L Pod will transit southbound past Nootka Sound on their way to the southern Gulf Islands, enabling federal Fisheries Officers to lead Luna out to the pod. However, the success of Plan A appears less likely after members of L Pod were sighted some distance south of Nootka Sound, in the San Juan/Juan de Fuca area, over the last few days.
“The lead-out is the preferred method for all involved,” said Marilyn Joyce, Marine Mammal Coordinator for DFO. “However, with the recent sightings it is likely that a physical relocation will become necessary.”
Joyce refers to “Plan B,” which involves the physical capture and relocation of Luna to the southern tip of Vancouver Island, where he would be released into the waters usually inhabited by L Pod through the summer.
Capture Not Yet Authorized
DFO has not authorized any capture operation at this time, and has stated very clearly that the decision to proceed will only be made if and when a capture is considered necessary. Any attempt at a capture operation will be publicly announced by DFO and will not begin until L Pod has returned to the San Juan Islands and southern Gulf Islands for the summer.
In order to be prepared, however, DFO has authorized the Vancouver Aquarium to begin the physical set up for Luna’s safe capture and holding in Gold River. The Aquarium, in cooperation with DFO personnel and others will be working on the site to assemble equipment and prepare net pens, docks and crew support facilities.
Public Support Needed
The physical reunion of Luna and L Pod will be a costly venture, and despite contributions of $130,000 each by Canadian and U.S. governments, there is still an estimated cash shortfall of $80,000 that the Vancouver Aquarium is unable to cover.
“The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is a self-supporting, non-profit institution,” said Dr. John Nightingale, President of the Vancouver Aquarium. “We are delighted to bring our expertise to the table to help with Luna’s relocation, but we cannot fund this project ourselves, and so we are asking the public for their assistance in helping this whale return to its pod.”
Before a reunification effort can be attempted, additional funding must be found to cover the costs of items and services. “In-kind” donations are still required for the operation, including a cook for Gold River (7-14 days cooking for the capture and animal care crew), a large boat (capable of sleeping 8-10 crew members in both Victoria and Gold River) and a grocery supplier willing to donate food for the rescue team.
The Vancouver Aquarium is a leader in marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, and was instrumental in successfully reuniting the orphaned killer whale Springer (A73) with her pod in 2002. While it is hoped that the operation to reunite Luna with L Pod will have an equally happy ending, scientists agree that a successful reintroduction cannot be guaranteed.
The Vancouver Aquarium is leading fundraising efforts in collaboration with The Whale Museum in Friday Harbour, WA. The Vancouver Aquarium is now accepting donations toward Luna’s rescue through their Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program (1-800-663-0562).
The Vancouver Aquarium would like to acknowledge and thank the following generous organizations, businesses and individuals who have stepped forward to donate goods in kind and funding to date. Some of these include: BC Ferries, Seaspan, Telus, Pearson College, Lions Gate Trailer, Strathcona Park Lodge, Six Flags Foundation, Global Rescue and Research, Western Forest Products, Green Island Energy, Inland Kenworth, Erin O’Connell, and Gail Laurie.
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