Luna's Lonely Sixth Birthday

Monday, September 19, 2005
GOLD RIVER, BC — September 19, 2005 marks Luna's sixth birthday, and his fourth year separated from his pod. Birthdays are supposed to be a time for family celebration. But the only thing that Luna can celebrate this year is that he made it though another busy boating season. It hardly seems worth lighting a candle for.

Luna's situation might be more acceptable if he was a transient orca whose population ranges widely, with some males living independent lives from their families for long periods of time. However, Luna is a Southern Resident orca and part of a population whose members normally stay within their matriline, from birth until death. Luna continually calls out, perhaps seeking his pod. However, like a six-year child lost in the forest, he does not leave to search for them. Instead he waits, and waits, and waits.

While Luna waits, the Canadian Government, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), continues to ignore its own mandate of conservation and protection. In the spring of 2004, DFO announced that they would attempt to relocate Luna closer to his pod. However, poor planning and lack of public engagement, especially with First Nations, forced DFO to call off the reunification. They have done very little to help Luna's situation since. Most significantly, they have not provided funds to ensure adequate stewardship. Meanwhile, Luna waits for them to deliver a reunification strategy.

Despite DFO's reluctance to take a leadership role, there is still hope for Luna. There is a possibility of a natural reunion this fall, winter or spring. Even if a "hard capture" were to be agreed, it is now too late in the season to attempt this year, because Luna's pod will soon leave their summer waters. Therefore, all energy must be put into achieving a natural reunion right now. Luna's First Nations' guardians have already succeeded in leading him to the open ocean outside Nootka Sound, a vital step towards reunion. Their initiatives need to be encouraged, and supported.

Luna should not be a victim of lack of political will. DFO has a duty to protect Luna as a free, wild whale. Once again, through inaction, DFO is failing the Canadian public and Luna. Please use your voice. A call or a letter to Minister Geoff Regan and others listed below is the best gift you can give Luna. We can all wish the Minister will do his job and be accountable, and that next year, Luna will truly have a happy birthday!

LETTER WRITING POINTS

With the opportunity for a hard capture lost for this season, all efforts should be put towards a natural reunion

While Luna remains in Nootka Sound, funding towards stewardship should be in place

Under no circumstances, should DFO create a reunion plan that does not have a contingency of keeping Luna free

DFO AND CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS
Note: if you are short of time, please start at the top of this list and work your way down.

The Honorable Geoff Regan
Minister, Fisheries and Oceans
Parliament Buildings, Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada, K1A 0A6
email: Min@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
E-Mail: Regan.G@parl.gc.ca
Telephone: (613) 992-3474
Fax: (613) 990-7292
Note: No postage required if mailed within Canada

Larry Murray
Deputy Minister, Department of Fisheries and Oceans
200 Kent Street 15 Floor Room S009
Ottawa ON K1A 0E6
Telephone: 613.993.2200
Fax: 613.993-2194
Email: murrayla@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Paul MacGillivray
Associate Regional Director General
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
401 Burrard St - Suite 200
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada
V6C 3S4
Telephone: 604.666.6098
Fax: 604.666.8956
Email: MacGillivrayp@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Don Radford
A/Regional Director
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
Fisheries Management and Aquaculture Branch
401 Burrard Street - Suite 200
Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
V6C 3S4
Telephone: 604-666-0753
E-mail: RadfordD@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Marilyn Joyce
Marine Mammal Resource Coordinator
Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Pacific Division
200 - 401 Burrard Street
Vancouver BC V6C 3S4
Canada
Email: JoyceMa@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Telephone: (604) 666-9965
Fax: (604) 666-1847
Cellular (604) 813-5314

Rt. Hon. Paul Martin
Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0A2
Canada
Fax: (613) 941-6900
Email: pm@pm.gc.ca
Note: No postage required if mailed within Canada

Contact your local MP by clicking here

Source: ReuniteLuna.com

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