News Releases

Update on orca in Nootka Sound
MMFN Tsux'iit Stewarsdhip Logs
Roger Dunlop
June 20, 2005

http://www.westcoastaquatic.ca/Luna_news.htm

Jamie James of Mowachaht/Muchalaht called at 4:15 PM today to relay the information that the two orcas recently observed with Luna were still in Muchalat Inlet this morning. The two unidentified orcas, one female and a juvenile, were in Kings Passage when the crew arrived at the MMFN shellfish farm. Luna was not with them. Jamie also reported that Ray Williams had just radioed the office to report he had just seen five killer whales. Ray saw them pass Yuquot (Friendly Cove). The whales were last observed headed in the general direction of Zuchiarte Channel. MMFN is distributing camera equipment to the shellfish crew today so they can photograph any orcas they see for identification purposes.

Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council staff will be meeting with appointed DFO staff on Friday June 25th to work out the elements of a 2005 stewardship program for Luna and get it underway. Activities necessary to protect Luna during the noisy season in Nootka Sound as well as contingencies will be discussed. This planning session follows agreement on June 16, 2005, between Mowachaht/Muchalaht leaders and senior regional DFO staff to collaborate to assist Luna.