I've checked in with some of the community members in Gold River [British Columbia] and have some updated information for you on how L98 is doing in Nootka Sound. Observers have reported that he appears to be in good health and still frequents the waters off Gold River. However, L98's food supply, the pilchard, have now all but left Gold River and Nootka Sound raising serious concerns with respect to his food source over the remainder of the winter.

L98 was the subject of increased dockside visitation and viewing activity over the holiday season. Visitors came from Campbell River and further south and locals brought their own visitors for a look. People were observed to pet, rub and put their hands in Luna's mouth. A report received several weeks ago from a local resident at the dock describes a man attempting to wipe away the slime under Luna's eyes (a normal occurrence) and another who spoke of his intention to don dive gear for a swim with the whale.

L98 continues to engage vessels coming to and from the dock which is becoming problematic for frequent users of the marina. He does not appear to interact with the log boom vessels regularly operating in the area however he has begun to approach float planes taxiing to and from their landing areas. There are no reports of direct interference with float plane operations as of yet. Finally, L98 has been observed in the company of sea lions which may provide some distraction from the human contact he has been receiving.

The large public notice previously posted at the tourism kiosk at the entrance to Gold River has been relocated to the dock area and reminds the public not to interact with the whale. Fisheries Officers continue to monitor the situation along with members of the community. A representative of the Marine Mammal Monitoring Program visited Gold River prior to Christmas to observe the dock situation and we plan to send additional representatives to monitor the dock in the upcoming months.

Louise V. Murgatroyd, Co-ordinator

Marine Mammal Monitoring Project

Veins of Life Watershed Society