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British Columbia: Luna Capture Operation On Hold Over Weekend |
| June 18, 2004 |
Source: Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
 | | Rescue crews continue to refine preparations for Luna's capture as they wait for the errant orca to reappear near Gold River. Photo: Dr. Lance Barrett-Lennard |
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre announced today that any attempt to capture Luna will be postponed until next week.
“We’d prefer that Luna be in the net pen for as short a time as possible,” explained Clint Wright, the Vancouver Aquariums’ Vice-President of Operations and leader of the capture operation. “Given that we want to run medical tests as soon as Luna arrives in the pen and that the labs to process these tests are closed over the weekend, we decided - in collaboration with DFO - that we would not attempt capture until early next week.”
On June 16, Luna moved some distance up the inlet from Gold River, pursuing canoes paddled by members of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations. In Luna’s absence, the rescue crew waited patiently for the whale to return to Gold River, continuing to refine their arrangements and rehearse the capture procedures.
At no point today did Luna reappear close enough to Gold River to allow the crew to attempt a capture. When he does come into range, the crew hopes to lead Luna into one of three floating net pens constructed specifically for the rescue operation. The first pen, termed the “hex” pen for its hexagon shape, is big enough for both the boat and whale, and has a section that can be opened and closed.
After entering the first pen, Luna will be transferred to a 50’ x 50’ holding pen. Luna will be held in this second pen for five to seven days prior to his transport to the Pedder Bay area, or until he is given medical clearance. The third pen will be used to hold live, wild-caught salmon to feed Luna while he remains in Gold River.
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