“We have seen overwhelming public interest in reuniting Luna and helping to sustain the endangered Southern Residents,” said Ryan Lejbak of ReuniteLuna.com. “People from around the world are encouraging Canada to understand that the best possible ending to Luna’s story is reuniting him with his pod just as soon as possible.”

At this time, there has been no indication that DFO will attempt any form of “hard capture” of Luna this fall. The hard capture, attempted last June by DFO, would see Luna captured in a net pen, transported by truck to Pedder Bay near Victoria, placed in a net pen there, and then released when his pod swims by.

L Pod will probably leave its summer range for the winter soon, leaving only Luna’s J Pod relatives in the San Juan region. While Luna could possibly reunite with members of the J Pod (who generally remain in the area all winter), the chances of a successful reunion are considered greater if he is re-introduced with L pod.

It is now too late in the season to move Luna under the “hard capture” scenario.

If there is any chance of Luna reuniting with the L Pod this fall or winter, it can only occur “naturally” near Nootka Sound if L Pod travels close to Nootka Sound. In this scenario Luna could be led out to meet them.

To enhance the likelihood of such a natural reunion scenario, the L Pod could be tracked as they leave the San Juans. If they head north and approach Nootka Sound, Luna could be led towards the open ocean. Once the whales are in acoustic contact with each other, Luna would be presented with a choice: to stay in Nootka Sound or to move on with his family. Most evidence suggests the latter would happen.

DFO and NMFS can increase the odds of accomplishing a natural reunion if they put real effort into tracking the L Pod as they leave their southern range, or at some point later during the winter. NMFS has already allocated funds towards such a tracking effort. The prospects for success will be enhanced by active cooperation between the US and Canadian agencies.

In October 2003, DFO announced its commitment “to move forward with the relocation of the young killer whale known as L98 or Luna. To protect public safety, the one ton mammal will be moved from Nootka Sound to Juan de Fuca Strait on the west coast of Vancouver Island with the hope of giving this whale the opportunity to re-unite with its pod.” (http://www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pages/release/p-releas/2003/nr057_e.htm).

One year later, this has not occurred. ReuniteLuna.com asks DFO to develop, support and sustain a comprehensive monitoring program until Luna is reunited with his pod. We also request that DFO provide public information on Luna’s health and safety; on the status of negotiations with the MMFN; and on its reintroduction strategy. Further we ask that DFO and NMFS work together to track the L Pod, not only for Luna’s sake, but also to improve scientific understanding of the perils faced by the Southern Resident orca community. Finally, we ask the MMFN to honour their commitment to let Luna make a choice, and to help facilitate that choice, if the situation arises.

For More Information: