DFO And First Nations Sign Monitoring Agreement

Friday, September 10, 2004
GOLD RIVER, BC - Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation have signed an agreement to help protect the public and Luna (Tsux’iit), the lone killer whale in Nootka Sound, BC. The goal of the Luna Stewardship Plan is to provide a safe environment for Luna while the killer whale resides in the Nootka Sound area and to increase public safety for boaters and other marine users in the area.

The objectives of this plan are to work cooperatively on monitoring, public education and stewardship through providing information to reduce human interaction with Luna and to advise boaters on safe boating practices around the whale. Both parties will also monitor the activities of Luna, and interactions between the public and Luna. The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations will record and report information to DFO Conservation and Protection staff for alleged violations of Marine Mammal regulations, and will conduct marine patrols as will DFO Conservation and Protection Officers.

DFO will contribute $10,000 to the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada joint Stewardship Program through the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Aboriginal Fisheries Agreement.

The Stewardship plan does not address future plans for Luna; long-term arrangements have yet to be developed.

The public is reminded to avoid interactions with the whale. Luna is a very large animal. He has the potential to damage boats and may pose a significant threat to the health and safety of people who come near him.

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