Overview

Luna is a five-year-old male Southern Resident Orca Whale who currently resides in Nootka Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. He became separated from his family over three years ago and has been a solitary whale ever since. Resident orcas normally spend their entire lives within the pod to which they are born. Luna's beautiful voice fills the deep reaches of Nootka Sound. If his pod comes near, and they hear one another, the chances of a natural reunion happening are excellent. In the meantime, Luna needs our protection and help.

Southern Resident Orca are listed as endangered in Canada and threatened in Washington State. Luna's separation prompted Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to convene a panel of experts to discuss the best options for the lost whale. The panel concluded that it was in the best interest of the public, Luna and the dwindling orca population to relocate him so he is closer to his pod and has the opportunity to rejoin them.

One of the most important issues under debate is whether Luna should be physically transported or led towards his family using what has been called a 'soft approach' or a 'natural' reunion. However, one thing is clear: Luna needs to be reunited with his pod.

The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation (MMFN) believe that Luna embodies the spirit of their deceased Chief Ambrose Maquinna. When Luna arrived in the Chief's traditional territory of Nootka Sound, he was given the name "Tsux'iit", in honour of the late Chief.

In June of 2004, DFO and their sub-contractor, Vancouver Aquarium, attempted to capture and relocate Luna. MMFN, who opposed this strategy, succeeded in leading Luna away from the temporary holding pen. A tense standoff between DFO and MMFN continued over the next few days, and eventually led to DFO calling off the plan to move Luna.

As the busy 2005 summer boating season approaches, Luna's greatest threat comes from people who interact with him. In the absence of his pod, Luna tends to socialize with recreational boats. Despite the fact that it is illegal for humans to engage Luna, the public are drawn to him. Some people are simply interested in seeing Luna up close, others have threatened to kill him.

Time for Luna and his pod is running out.

Luna needs your voice. We urge you to ask DFO to fulfill its mandate of conservation and protection of Canada's marine resources, including Luna.

Luna's History

Courtesy Chantelle Tucker/orcagirl.com

Luna (L98) is a young, juvenile male orca who currently resides in Nootka Sound about half way up the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Luna became separated from his family in July 2001 when he was almost two years old and found his way into remote Nootka Sound. Many have wondered if he might have accompanied his uncle away from their pod and then, when the uncle died suddenly, the little whale was left alone.

Luna is a member of the L2 matriline. This group is part of L pod, one of three pods (J,K,L) that make up the "Southern Resident" orca community. Normally, from spring until fall, the community ranges along the southern west coast of British Columbia, through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and around the islands of Puget Sound and southern Georgia Strait in pursuit of migrating salmon. Their extended range includes California, Oregon and as far north as the Queen Charlotte Islands. They occasionally pass through the inland waters on the east coast of Vancouver Island.

Excitement And Concern: Luna's Birth

Courtesy Susan Berta/OrcaNetwork.org

Luna was born September 19, 1999. His mother, Splash (L67), is still alive and gave birth to her second calf, Aurora (L101), in 2002. Luna's birth caused both excitement and concern. Births in orca communities are very rarely witnessed as most occur outside of observed areas. It was believed that Luna was born near San Juan Island in Puget Sound, although his actual birth was not witnessed. On the day of his birth, his mother, Splash, was seen alone off Lime Kiln Park, San Juan Island. Then, within what is believed to be hours of his birth, K pod arrived in the area. For the next week Luna was seen travelling with the adult female, Kishka (K18), as well as, Splash. This led to some confusion as to the identity of his real mother. The confusion cleared up when Luna was seen travelling regularly next to Splash.

L98 was named during a contest held by a Seattle Newspaper. A resident of Bellingham won the contest and chose the name Luna (Latin for moon), saying: "the Orca Whale explores the ocean, like the moon explores the earth".

Luna Missing and Presumed Dead

Courtesy Chantelle Tucker/orcagirl.com

Luna was not seen during the June 2001 census conducted by the Center for Whale Research in the San Juan area of Puget Sound. He was considered missing and most likely dead.

In July 2001, Luna was observed swimming alone in Nootka Sound. Just days before his death, Chief Ambrose Maquinna of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation (MMFN) expressed his wish to come back as a Kakawin (Killer whale). When Luna showed up soon afterwards in the Chief's traditional territory of Nootka Sound, the Mowachaht/Muchalaht gave him the name "Tsux'iit", in honour of their the late Chief.

In the fall of 2001, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) were informed about Luna's presence in Nootka Sound. DFO scientists consulted with Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research, who was able to determine the identity of the young whale from previous identification records. DFO decided to leave Luna alone and see whether or not he would leave Nootka Sound on his own in search of his family. Over the next while, Luna demonstrated that he was able to forage successfully and was thought to have benefited from an unusually large abundance of pilchard in Nootka Sound. Later, Luna was also observed successfully hunting salmon.

Springer's Return

Courtesy Sandra Stone

From January to July 2002, focus was diverted away from Luna by the rescue and return of another solitary orca calf, Springer (A73). She coincidently turned up alone near Seattle, Washington in January 2002, hundreds of kilometers from her normal range and her northern resident family. Springer's situation was considered urgent.

Unlike Luna, she was orphaned and appeared thin and sickly. Eventually, after lengthy consultations and public debates, officials from DFO and their US counterpart, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), designed a plan for the translocation of Springer back to the Johnstone Strait area of northern Vancouver Island. After a short stay in a temporary holding pen and ashort period of adjustment to her surroundings and the presence of other whales, Springer successfully re-integrated with her pod and has been travelling with her family ever since.

Tourists Become Interested in Luna

Courtesy Chantelle Tucker/orcagirl.com

Despite efforts to keep Luna's presence in Nootka Sound quiet, word gradually leaked out and tourists began to arrive in the nearest town, Gold River, looking for the little whale. At the same time, Luna began to take a keen interest in boats, and eventually even floatplanes. He also was attracted to all the activity in and around the Gold River dock area. This caused even more attention and interactions with boats. DFO contracted the M3 project to monitor Luna, educate the public and intercept sightseers if necessary. The program became known as the Luna Stewardship Project (LSP).

In the fall of 2002 and after Springer's successful re-introduction, concerned members of the public and various NGO groups held on to the hope that the two government agencies might be agreeable to moving Luna in a like manner back to southern Vancouver Island or Puget Sound and released into the company of his pod. However, by the fall, no official plans had been initiated. DFO's position continued to be "wait and see" with the promise that DFO scientists and officers would continue to monitor Luna over the winter, and that they would consult with a scientific advisory panel.

Science Panel Convened

Courtesy Chantelle Tucker/orcagirl.com

In February 2003, DFO convened the L98 science panel. It was recognised that additional information was needed with regard to Luna's health and behaviours before developing plans to intervene and move him. DFO conducted a brief one-day playback experiment to see if Luna would respond to the recorded calls of his pod as well as other orca vocalizations. The results of the experiment were inconclusive. There was also an unsuccessful attempt to obtain a blood sample from Luna.

The science panel met again soon after but failed to reach a consensus about what to do about Luna. DFO, in a press release issued shortly afterwards, re-stated their intention to not intervene, and their determination to continue monitoring the situation. The press release reminded the public that it is illegal to disturb a marine mammal and that violators could be fined up to $100,000.

The Luna Stewardship Project

Courtesy Chantelle Tucker/orcagirl.com

The Luna Stewardship Project was contracted again to provide monitoring during the 2003 summer tourist/boating season. LSP participant, researcher Rachael Griffin, obtained the first recordings of Luna and determined that Luna made southern resident calls.

Two signs were posted near the Gold River dock to caution the public about the risks of interacting with Luna. Despite these precautions, hundreds of enthusiastic tourists flocked to the docks at Gold River to get a glimpse of Luna. There were reports of inappropriate tourist antics involving Luna. People were seen petting him, brushing his teeth and sadly even feeding him junk food and beer. The socially starved Luna responded by demanding more and more attention. He spent hours rubbing and pushing against boats, and he even started to interfere with floatplanes taking off and landing.

During this difficult time, the Luna Stewardship Project (LSP) continued their efforts to monitor Luna and educate the public. However, there were just too many boats, too many people, and not enough resources for the effort to be completely effective. The situation became increasingly tense and dangerous: in July, DFO successfully brought charges against one person who was fined $100; in August, a local DFO contract employee, frustrated when Luna would not let him move his boat away from the dock, allegedly hit Luna on the head with a stick; at the end of August, Luna suffered a deep cut above his eye probably as the result of contact with a boat; then at the busiest part of the summer, DFO abruptly interrupted funding to the Luna Stewardship Project, putting the program at risk.

NGO groups accelerated their efforts to encourage DFO and NMFS to intervene. A petition, with over 4,000 signatures was submitted to DFO and about 12,000 letters were mailed or emailed to DFO. All of these communications relayed the same simple message-that it was time to attempt to reunite Luna with his pod.

DFO Responds to Public Pressure

Courtesy Suzanne Chisholm

In response to increasing public pressure and consideration of the public safety concerns arising from Luna's behaviours DFO reconvened the science panel, in September 2003, with the aim of developing a workable plan for intervention, and translocation of Luna away from Nootka Sound. After lengthy discussions a plan was devised, and DFO invited applications for the contract to manage Luna's relocation.

By early October 2003, DFO announced publicly that they would attempt to move Luna. Thanks to US Senator Maria Cantwell, the United States contributed $100,000 US to help reunite Luna. A few days later the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Robert Thibault, announced that Canada would match the US offer with $135,000 CDN. However, DFO, without consulting the scientific panel, announced that Luna would not be moved until the spring of 2004. Around this time, the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation expressed their concerns about moving Tsux'iit.

In the winter of 2003-2004, Luna was often seen near the eastern end of Muchalat Inlet and the Gold River dock area and only occasionally observed in other areas of Nootka Sound. The Vancouver Aquarium was awarded the contract to translocate Luna. The Aquarium felt that, due to their limited resources, they could not undertake the entire plan. DFO and the Aquarium then subcontracted with M3 and the Whale Museum to oversee monitoring after Luna was released. Another US group was contracted to help with the actual capture. DFO and NMFS continued to be directly involved in overseeing the plan.

The Luna Research Project

Courtesy Luna Research Project/OrcaLab

Meanwhile, the NGOs worked to establish a winter research project in Nootka Sound. Their concern was that no systematic data had been collected during Luna's stay in Nootka Sound, and this opportunity was quickly disappearing. It was also felt that it would be good to keep an eye on Luna's situation in Nootka Sound.

By March 2004, the Luna Research Project (LRP) began. David Howitt and Lisa Larsson established two remote hydrophone stations and two land based observation camps. A hydrophone was also used on board the research project's donated vessel, the Henrietta. The hydrophones enabled the research crew to monitor Luna acoustically day and night when Luna was near his preferred locations, the Gold River dock, Mooyah Bay, or Hanna Channel. This meant that Luna's movements were monitored throughout a fairly substantial part of his range. The remote hydrophones and observation sites ensured that objective information was collected. Over 100 hours of recordings were made. When the project first began, Luna still favoured the Gold River dock area but by April he was more often near the junction at the western end of Muchalat Inlet (the junction of Mooyah Bay/ Anderson Point & Hanna Channel). Luna's involvement with boats during this time decreased significantly and a lot of his time was spent foraging away from the Gold River area.

DFO installed an Acoustic Deterrent Device (ADD) near the floatplane dock not far from the Gold River government dock. It was hoped that the use of intense high amplitude sound would discourage Luna from getting near the planes. It was used twice.

DFO And NMFS Announce Plan To Move Luna

Courtesy Anon.org

On April 5, 2004, DFO and the US National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) jointly announced their plan to move Luna later in the spring. The plan allowed for a "natural reunion" where Luna would be led out of Nootka Sound if members of his pod were nearby. If this did not occur, DFO, and their partners, would attempt to capture Luna, transport him to Pedder Bay (near Victoria), place him in a net pen and release him when his pod swam by. DFO met with Mowachaht/Muchalat First Nation to inform them of their plans. The MMFN reiterated their opposition to Luna's capture and translocation.

The sailing vessel Anon, stationed at the mouth of Nootka Sound, spent more than two months sailing to sea daily, looking and listening for the chance passing of southern residents. The rest of the west coast marine community also kept watch. On May 17, K and part of L pod were photographed off Tofino, about 100 km to the south of Nootka Sound. DFO officers made two successful attempts to lead Luna to the entrance of Nootka Sound. The NGO group, OrcaNetwork, acted as the central coordinator for reported sightings. In the end, on May 26, L pod disappointed all this concerted effort by choosing to travel to the San Juans via the "inside" route along the east coast of Vancouver Island. Once the Ls arrived in the San Juans, the plan to capture Luna was set in motion.

In June 2004, DFO and Vancouver Aquarium personnel began preparation of the holding-pen adjacent to the old pulp mill dock located not far from the government (public) dock area. Security measures were put in place. Luna was intercepted and examined for length and general condition. The Luna Research project moved back to the Gold River area to the observation camp on the cliff overlooking the pulp mill. One of the project's remote hydrophones was relocated inside the pulp mill dock area. Concern was voiced by several of the NGO groups, a few of the scientists and many individuals about the plans to capture Luna with the use of a tail rope, and to bolt a tracking device onto his dorsal fin after the capture.

Attempted Capture And Relocation Of Luna

Courtesy Suzanne Chisholm

From June 16 to 24 2004, there were attempts to corral Luna inside the holding pen. The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, who continued to oppose the capture, were present in two traditional canoes. They succeeded in leading Luna away from the pen several times, travelling westwards in Muchalat Inlet. A plane carrying the "tag bolting" team flipped over while attempting to land. Fortunately, no one was injured. A tense standoff between DFO and MMFN continued during this time. Despite additional efforts to lead Luna back to Gold River and into the waiting pen (one of which almost succeeded), DFO eventually called off the plan to capture and move Luna on June 24th.

Over the summer of 2004, DFO and MMFN met several times to discuss Luna. However, their respective positions did not substantially change. The public debate over this issue was somewhat muted out of respect for the concerns of MMFN. The situation following the capture attempts remained difficult and confusing for many. The scientists involved were, however, still in agreement that Luna would be better off with his pod.

In the fall of 2004, DFO agreed to contribute $10,000 to the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation proposal to manage jointly with DFO a new Luna Stewardship Program. The NGOs contributed an additional $5,000. Luna, meanwhile, resumed his old habits. Immediately after the capture attempts, Luna had stayed away from the Gold River area. However, as the summer wore on, Luna returned and once more became the main attraction for visitors. Luna also had several unfortunate encounters with boats in various locales. The resulting negative press reduced him to nuisance status once more. The poorly funded stewardship program did what it could to keep watch over Luna until the boating and fishing season concluded later in the fall. Numerous vessels were assisted and potential incidents averted through these stewardship efforts.

Luna Survives Another Winter

Courtesy Mary Bluhm

Luna spent the winter of 2004 in much the same way as the winter of 2003. He continued to grow, forage and, for the most part, did not become overly involved with boats.

On February 27 2005, groups from the Northern Resident community of orcas came into Nootka Sound. Researcher Lisa Larsson recorded their calls as they entered Nootka Sound and later when they passed in range of a remote hydrophone located further inside Nootka Sound. When this happened Lisa also heard Luna vocalizing and concluded that he and the other orcas must have been able to hear each other. It is extremely unlikely that Luna would travel with whales from the northern resident community (southern & northern residents have never been known to mix socially). However, it is possible to imagine that hearing these whales may have evoked memories of his own social group in Luna.

Luna Remains Alone In Nootka Sound

Courtesy Luna Research Project/OrcaLab

Luna remains in Nootka Sound. He has now survived nearly five years on his own. The busy summer boating and tourist season is coming soon. Protecting Luna during this time is clearly essential. MMFN have developed a comprehensive stewardship plan for Luna, but it is as yet unfunded.

Luna needs your voice. Please consider asking DFO to fulfill its mandate of conservation and protection by providing adequate funding to keep the public and Luna safe during the busy summer boating season.
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Questions

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