Vancouver--Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is convening a scientific panel of Canadian and U.S. experts to consider the long-term future of the lone killer whale known as L98 (Luna). Departmental Science staff will continue to monitor L98’s health throughout the winter while the scientific panel analyzes the risks versus the benefits of intervention with the whale in the summer of 2003.

"DFO wants what is best for the whale and its pod," said Marilyn Joyce, Marine Mammal Coordinator at Fisheries and Oceans Canada. "L98 is healthy, in a good location with clean water and plenty of food, and he is within his pod’s known range."

There has been considerable public interest in relocating and reintroducing L98 to his pod. However, marine mammal experts are concerned that if an attempt is made to reintroduce L98 this year, and he fails to connect with his pod, he may be faced with spending the winter in a less desirable location than Nootka Sound where food is available and there will be fewer disturbances from year-round human activity.

L98 is a member of the southern resident L-pod, whose summer feeding grounds are off the southern tip of Vancouver Island in the Victoria/Puget Sound area. L98 has drawn international attention in the past year because he is residing alone in waters just off the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Luna’s fame comes in the wake of another lone orca, A73 or "Springer", who was orphaned, became ill, and was rehabilitated and relocated from U.S. waters back to her home range in Canada.

Boating season is coming to a close in Nootka Sound, greatly reducing the likelihood of human interaction. DFO fishery officers will continue patrolling the area to remind boaters to stay away from L98 and allow him to live as a wild whale.

For more information:

Marilyn Joyce
Marine Mammal Coordinator
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-9965