The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Coordinator Kari Koski has just returned from yet another stint in Gold River, British Columbia, helping the Luna Stewardship Project protect Luna (L-98), the orphaned juvenile orca. She concurs with the Orca Network report below, that Luna has now extended his attention to seaplanes--in addition to boats. This is causing yet more danger for Luna and humans in the area.

The following was written by Orca Network:

Sept. 8

We've received an update on Luna's situation in Nootka Sound from Marc Pakenham of the Luna Stewardship Project. Apparently Luna's behavior around boats and seaplanes has become more problematic as of late. He disabled a boat twice last week, the second time breaking the rudder. He has been pushing on seaplane rudders (possibly explaining how he has sustained the recent cuts on his face), and according to Marc Pakenham, "on Sunday L-98 was again interacting with aircraft rudders in Gold River."

The Luna Stewardship Project and DFO [Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada] personnel have assisted with the disabled boats, and today the LSP lured Luna out to Victor Island to get him away from the seaplanes, the dock and other boats. The situation at the Gold River dock has not improved--on Sunday crowds of people were pushing their way down to the dock and disregarding the signs and LSP advice to keep their distance. DFO personnel acted to control the situation.

We will bring you further news as we receive it. Many thanks to Marc and the hardworking crew and volunteers of the Luna Stewardship Project for all their efforts these past 13 months, and to the DFO staff who have offered their assistance in enforcement and patrolling the area.

Also, we have been receiving comments from a lot of you out there, and have begun a Luna Forum on our website at: http://www.orcanetwork.org/news/lunaforum.html.

Check it out to see what people are thinking, and if you'd like to send us your thoughts, comments and ideas, please send them to us at: info@orcanetwork.org and we'll post them on the forum.

Stay tuned for any further developments.

Susan and Howard
Orca Network
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For more information about Luna's plight, visit reuniteluna.com.