Lovable Luna Still A Threat

Wednesday, March 8, 2006
GOLD RIVER, BC - Those who cruised the West Coast of Vancouver Island this past summer likely heard a VHF Notice to Shipping advising listeners about Luna, the infamous killer whale of Nootka Sound. As a result of the warning and to avoid potential vessel damage, many people gave the area a miss. Some of those who visited Nootka Sound had up-close experiences with Luna and about a dozen boats were damaged over the summer. Most of the damage was limited to auxiliary outboard motor brackets that were broken after being bumped by the curious whale. Most of the Luna encounters took place in Hanna Channel, Tlupana Inlet and Critter Cove, though Luna also frequented Mooyah Bay and Muchalat Inlet.

Two summers ago, in 2004, Luna spent a fair amount of time in Gold River, where his attentions damaged the expensive floats of several floatplanes. To address the problem, an acoustic deterrent device that emits a loud underwater noise was fitted to the docks, which kept Luna away. In 2006, the device will likely be moved to Critter Cove, where Luna often seeks the attention he seems to crave among the action of the marina, fuel dock, restaurant and associated crowds.

According to Bill Shaw, recreational coordinator for the South Coast for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), many of the problem encounters were the result of people in small sportfishing boats seeking out Luna so they could take photos. "They get close to Luna and he comes over to investigate, and inadvertently pushes on the auxiliary bracket and breaks it, panicking the people aboard." Shaw said there are seldom problems for those who do not try to interact with Luna and who maintain their course and speed.

In the summer of 2005, DFO spent $48,000 on a stewardship contract with the local Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations to monitor Luna's whereabouts, educate boaters and raise awareness of the issues. The First Nations band had an 18' aluminum cruiser on the water for the summer and was working closely with local Fisheries Officers, Coast Guard and RCMP. In some cases, the boat was called in to lead Luna - who came to recognize its sound - away from encounters with other vessels. The First Nations also manned an observation platform in Hanna Channel all summer and exchanged location information with Coast Guard and RCMP.

Their observations showed that Luna spends most of his time foraging for the plentiful salmon in the area and appears to be content to remain in Nootka Sound. Although other (transient) killer whales have passed by the mouth of Nootka Sound and it's been shown that they are aware of each other, Luna, originally from a "resident" pod, isn't known to have had any interaction with them.

For those planning on visiting Nootka Sound in 2006, Bill Shaw offered some advice: "Listen to VHF 16 for broadcasts about Luna. If you are fishing and you see Luna approach, pull up your fishing gear, start your engine and leave the area." Shaw explained that with Luna around, there's a good possibility that no salmon are in the immediate area anyhow, so you won't be missing out on good fishing. Shaw noted that Luna seems to like the bubbles from prop wash and tends to follow in a boat's wake. He said not to worry about Luna hitting the boat's propeller, as he is too good a swimmer. According to Shaw, Luna doesn't seem to bother boats travelling at about 15 knots or better, so if you're in a powerboat transiting the area and you encounter Luna, either speed up or keep up your speed and maintain your heading.

Maintaining course and speed when you see Luna approach is good advice regardless of whether you can run at 15 knots or whether you're in a sailboat or powerboat. "If you can't outrun him, maintain your speed and course," said Shaw. "Do not make eye contact and put your back to him - try to ignore him. It's attention he wants and if he doesn't get it, he's most likely to move on." Shaw says that if Luna is following you as you approach a bay or anchorage, it is best to continue on past it until he leaves, then return. That way there is less chance of Luna following you in and playing around your boat and other boats.

If you have a serious problem with Luna, immediately contact the Coast Guard. If the stewardship boat is in the area, it may be able to lead Luna away. Boaters should be aware that it's illegal to approach closer than 100 metres to Luna.

For those planning on cruising the west coast of Vancouver Island, it might be worth planning the voyage to avoid Hanna Channel, Mooyah Bay and Muchalat Inlet. However, there is no need to avoid travelling the sheltered route behind Nootka Island (in at Esperanza Inlet, Tahsis Inlet and out at Nootka Sound) as Luna doesn't normally frequent these waters. Luna has had no contact with boaters in the areas between Friendly Cove, Salter Point, Bligh Island or in Tahsis Inlet. For boaters planning on cruising Nootka Sound, listen to the VHF for updates. Pacific Yachting will publish information on any new developments and provide contact information for boaters as soon as it's released.

Source: Pacific Yachting

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