Luna News
Two years ago today, a brave young orca’s life ended in tragedy
2008-03-10
SAVING LUNA is the true story of Luna, a young orca who was separated from his family and tried to make friends with people in Nootka Sound, on Vancouver Island’s West Coast
2008-01-22
Today, September 19, is a day that could have been a celebration.
2007-09-19
Mountainside Films is pleased to announce the premiere of the feature documentary, SAVING LUNA at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
2007-09-11
Acclaimed actor Adam Beach (Flags of Our Fathers, Law & Order: SVU) stars in the poignant CTV Original Movie Luna: Spirit of the Whale, premiering on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13 at 7 p.m. ET on CTV.
2007-04-29
Luna's beautiful voice was heard throughout the deep reaches of Nootka Sound until March 10, 2006
2007-03-10
CBC's DNTO pays a tribute to Luna
2006-07-13
Christopher Walker talks about the painting and the Luna Memorial Cruise.
2006-07-06
On Saturday, June 3, 2006, the MV Uchuck III will sail on a five-hour cruise to celebrate Luna's life and honour his memory.
2006-05-04
Two Canadian bands have recently released songs about Luna.
2006-04-10
As I looked back on my notes about Luna, there was a scribble on the back of a two-year-old piece of paper...
2006-04-10
It is with a profound sense of sorrow and loss that we must report the death of Luna
2006-03-20
Journal asks for photos of Luna for special tribute section (deadline extended)
2006-03-17
I have no eloquence, no pretty words, no joy. But I have things to tell you, about beauty and blame.
2006-03-14
So many people contributed time and resources on Luna’s behalf, his loss will be felt by us all. (Updated March 14)
2006-03-14
Information on upcoming services (updated Monday March 13, 07:36 PST).
2006-03-12
An orca whale was killed today in an accident with a large tugboat in Nookta Sound near Gold River, B.C., Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced today.
2006-03-10
We remember mourning Luna's death when he first went missing and was presumed dead in June 2001.
2006-03-10
Luna likely died this morning
2006-03-10
More adventures and a new injury
2006-03-08
Luna has expanded his territorial imperative a bit in the past days.
2006-02-28
Luna awareness posters updated
2006-02-23
Luna is still spending most of his time in very familiar territory.
2006-02-11
Luna has been sticking very close to his familiar territory in Nootka Sound these days.
2006-01-26
Luna is still spending much of his time in his familiar territory some miles from the Gold River Docks.
2006-01-16
Political parties receive extensions; Luna is doing fine
2006-01-09
The turn of the year gives us humans pause to reflect on past and future – which we’ll get to in a minute with some unexpected numbers -- but Luna just plunges ahead and does what he’s always done: dining lavishly and visiting friends.
2006-01-01
A ReuniteLuna editorial
2005-12-22
Luna’s been spending most of his time back in his familiar territory. There’s nothing particularly new to report about what he’s been up to. It’s clear that he’s eating well and seems quite energetic.
2005-12-21
ReuniteLuna recently sent letters to all of Canada's political party leaders to ask them their views on Luna during this election campaign.
2005-12-13
We haven’t sent in a report for a while because a group of several transient whales passed through Luna’s favourite territory, and after that no one saw Luna for a few days. We were a bit worried, but we didn’t want to pass those worries on. These concerns come up regularly and have so far been groundless and certainly not worth getting stirred up about, because Luna has many places to go and fish to meet.
2005-12-09
Luna has been hanging around his most familiar territory almost exclusively lately. He hasn’t been to the Gold River docks – as far as we know – for weeks.
2005-11-22
Luna, the solitary orca in his fourth year in Canada's Nootka Sound, has made over 130 separate and distinct calls during recordings made for LunaLive, a joint project of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation and environmental and scientific organizations.
2005-11-22
Luna, the solitary killer whale of Nootka Sound, entertained some guests last night. At 2:41 AM, Allan Muir, a LunaLive researcher based nearly half-way around the world in Scotland, detected the calls of a pod of transient orca intermixed with those of Luna.
2005-11-18
This was the weekend of the Maquinna Potlatch at Tsaxana, near Gold River. It was the potlatch to honour the passing of Ambrose Maquinna, former chief of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, who died in July, 2001.
2005-11-15
Today, researchers are out on calm waters to see if the whales are still in the area and if an ID can be made. After an initial survey this morning, no whales have been reported.
2005-11-14
Luna has apparently adjusted his location a bit to spend most of his time in between his most familiar territory and Gold River.
2005-11-07
Luna has been spending a huge amount of his time with two large boats lately. Most of his attention has been given to a 130-foot-long landing craft that hauls supplies and fuel to work camps along the Sound. We reported previously that he’d been spending nights with this ship, and that has continued.
2005-10-26
When not fishing at length in the Sound, Luna has been playing either with the boom boats in the log sort areas, or with tugs that pull logs from one log sort area to another.
2005-10-17
Maybe one of the reasons people respond to Luna with so much affection is that he seems to have such a zest for life. It’s probable that all orcas are like this, but most of them are a bit more distant from people than Luna is, so maybe we don’t see as much of the play. And Luna sure does play.
2005-10-10
Luna has been mostly near the Gold River end of the Sound. He has been working with the boom boats at the log sort near the docks, spent some time resting near one of his favourite boats, and hung around the dock itself a few times, though usually not at times when people were there to watch.
2005-10-01
Recently, Luna has been visiting a small marina a few nautical miles from his home territory. As far as we know he hasn’t done any damage there, but he has pushed boats around there enough so people have requested assistance.
2005-09-23
September 19, 2005 marks Luna's sixth birthday, and his fourth year separated from his pod. Birthdays are supposed to be a time for family celebration. But the only thing that Luna can celebrate this year is that he made it though another busy boating season. It hardly seems worth lighting a candle for.
2005-09-19
Yesterday (September 15) something good happened with Luna that hasn’t happened for more than a year, and holds promise.
2005-09-16
Luna’s doing fine. I spent much of the day on the water and on the shorelines yesterday, watching Luna from the rocks.
2005-09-15
September 4 was a normal day for Luna on the Sound. Luna had several long and short interactions with boats.
2005-09-05
Luna has been spending a lot of time foraging in his home territory for the last few days.
2005-09-01
There have been few official incidents, but he’s been finding company with a limited number of fishing boats, with the bigger vessels and tugs, and has been trying to get in to one of the resort marinas where he’s done some damage in the past.
2005-08-26
Efforts of whale researchers who have been listening to live internet broadcasts of a solitary orca named Luna have been rewarded with an all-night concert of his calls.
2005-08-19
Wednesday evening was troubling on Nootka Sound
2005-08-18
Michael Parfit and Suzanne Chisholm witnessed another active day for Luna.
2005-08-17
Luna breached five times in his familiar bay. Since he had been seen by no one on the previous day, this was a delightful relief
2005-08-16
Your support is needed to encourage DFO to do more to keep Luna safe from the threats of gunshots and dynamite.
2005-08-15
No one knew where Luna was, and Suzanne and I were aware that he had not been seen the day before. There had been some contact between him and the gillnetters the previous night, but we didn’t hear of anything particularly bad, except that one boat had been pushed around more than the fisher wanted. We headed out on the water and tried the familiar places along the route, but there was no sign of Luna. The bay where Luna usually spends most of his time was empty.
2005-08-13
Luna is safe. For the time being.
2005-08-12
Agreement signed, fisheries close without incident, Luna has not been seen for over 30 hours.
2005-08-12
Updates on stewardship, ADD and gillnet fisheries.
2005-08-10
Days of activity and concern. On the past long weekend, the parking lot at the marina in Gold River and a few hundred metres of the road were filled with parked trucks and empty boat trailers.
2005-08-03
Michael Parfit and Suzanne Chisholm were kind enough to release to ReuniteLuna some details of the proposal they submitted to DFO this week regarding a new approach for Luna.
2005-07-30
The last week here on Nootka Sound has been discouraging as far as Luna is concerned.
2005-07-29
On Wednesday morning we headed out in Blackfish to the Mowachaht/ Muchalaht First Nations monitoring point, which is a land-based observation station near Luna’s home territory.
2005-07-21
In commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of the Penn Cove Orca Capture
2005-07-20
Michael Parfait and Suzanne Chishom attended the trial for Guy Chiasson and sent us these notes
2005-07-18
Great News! Last night we received some good news from the DFO staff working with us on the Mowachaht/Muchalaht Stewardship Program.
2005-07-12
Jamie James, an NGO representative raising funds for the Luna Stewardship program, and I went to the Observation Post at Hanna Channel and set up our stuff on Saturday.
2005-07-11
No interactions with Luna have been reported or observed since the two sport boats fished or stopped in Luna’s home range on June 30 and July 1, 2003.
2005-07-08
On Thursday we were back on the rocks in Nootka Sound, watching Luna. He seemed particularly playful. From Mike and Suzanne
2005-07-06
This weekend, July 1, DFO will have Fishery Officers patrolling Friday and Saturday in Nootka Sound. A Coast Guard SAR Crew is stationed at Nootka Light for the summer. Jamie James and I will be on watch and setting up the Stewardship Observation Post at Tuta Marina on Hanna Channel on Sunday.
2005-07-01
Mike and Suzanne watched Luna again from the shoreline.
2005-06-30
ReuniteLuna expanded lobbying efforts with the goal of seeing Luna reunited with his pod.
2005-06-29
Suzanne and Mike have filed a report on Luna's activities from the past weekend.
2005-06-27
Although most television footage has concentrated on Luna’s past activities at the Gold River dock and his behaviour near the First Nation canoes last year, most of the time he leads a busy whale life in familiar waters, and doesn’t pay much attention to the people passing by.
2005-06-21
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.
2005-06-20
Report from Roger Dunlop
2005-06-17
Updates from the MMFN logs.
2005-06-13
A report on Luna from a land-based observer who was watching Luna for a couple of hours on Thursday June 9th, 2005.
2005-06-11
Luna staying away from Gold River; security fence installed around Gold River docks; all Southern Resident pods have returned to the San Juans
2005-06-07
Luna was busy feeding and did not take much notice of the first of the recreational boat traffic
2005-05-28
Luna will be guarded full-time by the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, starting immediately
2005-05-27
The tourism boating season got off to a slow start due to inclement weather
2005-05-25
MMFN have released the equipment and funding requirements for effectively protecting Luna from the public in 2005.
2005-05-20
Luna this week was fine, feeding peacefully, undisturbed by intense vessel and sonar noise in his usual home range
2005-05-02
From the shore, Luna was observed this morning
2005-04-28
MMFN are looking for help to properly resource and implement a full-time pro-active stewardship patrol and education outreach program for Luna.
2005-04-27
The MMFN shellfish crew saw Luna this morning and he was feeding in the same place as yesterday afternoon
2005-04-25
Luna was spotted by himself late this afternoon
2005-04-21
News about the MMFN stewardhip plan, traffic in Nootka Sound, underwater noise and more from Roger Dunlop, R.P. Bio., Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
2005-04-21
Female orca still in Nootka Sound; please vote yes for Luna funding
2005-04-21
MMFN boat reports that there is a big female killer whale hanging out with Luna right now
2005-04-20
Luna appears health and continues to grow
2005-04-20
Luna was reported to be foraging east of Gore Island in Muchalat Inlet shortly before noon on April 9.
2005-04-10
More whales in Nootka Sound; updates on monitoring programs
2005-04-08
Brief update from Nootka Sound
2005-03-31
Luna continues to forage in his “regular” feeding areas
2005-03-22
Nootka Sound saw many more boats on the water but there have been no reports of incidents with Luna
2005-03-16
A single orca would generally indicate that this was a transient orca, not part of the Northern Resident orcas seen on Sunday.
2005-03-02
It is believed that Luna heard them, though he didn't join them.
2005-02-28
L98 is still many miles away from his normal range; L Pod confirmed sightings
2005-02-23
L98 appears healthy; has been seen in several parts of Nootka Sound
2005-01-31
Luna was seen near Mooyah Bay
2005-01-17
Luna recently spotted (ReuniteLuna.com)
2005-01-03
The Black Creek, BC school performed “Luna the Whale” recently on CBC Radio in Victoria. They granted ReuniteLuna.com permission to post the song as a special New Years treat for all visitors to the site. Enjoy!!
2004-12-29
Luna spotted several times this week (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-12-23
Luna went in to Gold River dock a few nights ago. This is the first time in a number of weeks that he was seen in the harbour. (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-12-17
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) announced today that it is proposing to list a population of killer whales as threatenedunder the Endangered Species Act. These whales, known as the Southern Resident population, spend several months each year in Washington State's Puget Sound.
2004-12-16
Luna’s was in acoustic range to open ocean waters this past weekend; L Pod sighted two weeks ago; please report sightings quickly (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-12-13
The latest report from Nootka Sound (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-12-02
Luna was observed this afternoon from the shoreline a fair distance from Gold River.
2004-11-22
Luna has not been seen for several days; MMFN stewardship vessel sinks; could Luna be the next Poco? (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-11-19
The last opening of the gillnet fishery took place last week. Fortunately there were no incidents involving Luna during this fishery or for the past few weeks. (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-11-01
Orca Network is proud to present the third annual Ways of Whales workshop to be held Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004 in Coupeville, Whidbey Island, Wash. (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-10-27
With yesterday’s news that the Southern Resident orcas were spotted heading out to open waters, it now appears unlikely that any move of Luna to the south will occur this fall. (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-10-21
At this time, there has been no indication that DFO will attempt any form of “hard capture” of Luna this fall. (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-10-19
Luna’s cuts appear to be healing well; no incidents to report (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-10-14
Luna returned to the docks at Gold River yesterday. He spent time foraging and playing in the harbour as well as rubbing against boats at the dock. While rubbing against boats, it became apparent to observers that Luna has sustained some new cuts that are located on his pectoral fin and his dorsal fin. (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-10-03
In the coming weeks DFO will review the recommendations of the scientific panel, discussions and agreements with the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations, and reassess the risk to public safety to determine what our next steps will be. (DFO web site)
2004-10-01
Gillnet fishery starts tomorrow (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-09-27
Momentum is building towards developing a plan that would see another attempt to reunite Luna his pod in late fall or early winter of this year. (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-09-18
Signatories from over 25 countries; public taking petitions door to door (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-09-17
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced today that she secured $1.5 million in a Senate spending bill for research funding to study the decline in the Puget Sound Southern Resident orca population and to support ongoing recovery efforts. (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-09-16
The goal of the Luna Stewardship Plan is to provide a safe environment for Luna while the killer whale resides in the Muchalaht Inlet/Nootka Sound area and public safety for boaters and others in the area. (ReuniteLuna.com)
2004-09-16
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation have signed an agreement to help protect the public and Luna (Tsux’iit), the lone killer whale in Nootka Sound, BC.
2004-09-10
For the weekend of September 4-6, 2004
2004-09-10
Pleasure craft starting to thin out; Luna damages two more boats; fishery starts next week
2004-09-08
If you find yourself clicking to the ReuniteLuna.com home page several times a day looking for our latest articles, you'll probably find it useful to subscribe to our RSS feed, so you'll be able to stay up-to-the-minute with Luna.
2004-09-08
Luna, the lone, friendly orca of Nootka Sound, is in trouble and needs help. Sensational news stories which focus on his encounters with boats have recently been published worldwide. They make much of the fear Luna has aroused in a few boaters. As a result, some people have called for Luna to be sent to an aquarium, or even killed. Those options are neither acceptable nor necessary.
2004-09-02
This weekend has been quiet due to rain and fog that covered all of Nootka Sound. Sport fishermen are leaving the area as summer is close to the end and chinook fishing effort shifts to the Barkley Sound Area.
2004-08-31
Updates on Luna’s behavior, DFO and FN meetings, and Gold River Town Council meetings.
2004-08-27
Luna spent some time near docks in Gold River; transients in the area
2004-08-25
The first two entries have been posted on the Mowachaht/Muchalaht Tsux'iit web site.
2004-08-20
Two sailboats report on an encounter with Luna on August 10, 2004
2004-08-19
DFO and the Coast Guard will be reading announcements on the mariner’s weather channel
2004-08-18
Mowachaht/Muchalaht monitoring continues; DFO to meet with First Nations tomorrow
2004-08-09
First Nations' web site provides information on nature, culture, stewardship, boating guidelines and much more.
2004-08-05
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations have agreed on a framework for a joint stewardship plan to protect L98 (Luna) and increase public safety. The parties will work cooperatively on monitoring, public education and enforcement. Details of the plan are still being worked out.
2004-08-04
As the first year of the Reunite Luna web site comes to a close we thought we would renew our commitment to Luna (also known as Tsuux-iit).
2004-08-01
Wyland Humpback Whale Limited Edition Print to be auctioned at Orca Network Benefit
2004-07-28
This past week marks the third anniversary of Luna's appearance in Nootka Sound - he was first sighted on July 14th 2001 (OrcaLab)
2004-07-23
Local fisherman and other vessels report that Luna seems healthy and active; more fishing boats expected next week; transients spotted near Nootka Sound.
2004-07-21
Luna is spending most of his time away from the docks at Gold River and he appears healthy and playful
2004-07-16
The July 2 and July 15 issues contain news, photos and first-hand experiences of some of the events which transpired on Nootka Sound in late June.
2004-07-15
Meeting to share ideas about Tsuux-iit/Luna
2004-07-09
First Nations, DFO and RCMP to meet in Gold River
2004-07-08
People still trying to see him, but leave disappointed
2004-07-06
Many organizations from around the world voice their support
2004-07-02
Net pens apparently being removed; Luna has not been around Gold River
2004-06-30
New journal entries and links to a study of Luna’s calls
2004-06-29
Orphaned orca's success bodes well for Luna reunion
2004-06-28
L98 spent the weekend away from the docks at Gold River
2004-06-28
LUNA INSPIRES FUNDRAISING EFFORT AT IMAX IN VICTORIA (Times Colonist)
2004-06-26
We understand that DFO is meeting with First Nations at this time
2004-06-25
The Aquarium is disappointed that the reunification effort cannot proceed at this time.
2004-06-24
For the time being, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is deferring operations to relocate the whale
2004-06-24
DFO anncounces they are deffering to move Luna; will meet with First Nations in the next few days.
2004-06-24
Tail ropes can cause permanent long term spinal damage or death to cetaceans
2004-06-23
DFO meets with First Nations tonight.
2004-06-23
Here is the latest news from Gold River as we receive it: darkness falls on Nootka Sound; tomorrow is a new day.
2004-06-22
Michael Harris steps down as President; will remain on the Board. Fred Felleman will take on the title of President
2004-06-21
Vancouver Aquarium staff are reassembling in Gold River today
2004-06-21
This link has the latest news from Gold River and is updated as we reveive it.
2004-06-21
An editorial by Dr. Paul Spong of OrcaLab
2004-06-21
A very quiet Saturday where Luna was seen around Mooyah Bay
2004-06-20
An update from Vancouver Aquarium
2004-06-18
A recap of the activities in Nootka Sound
2004-06-18
After another meeting, DFO and First Nations have decided to stand down for a couple of days
2004-06-18
For the latest news on what is happening with Luna, please check this page often
2004-06-18
ReuniteLuna.com will attempt to provide information as quickly as possible today.
2004-06-17
Latest updates on Luna
2004-06-17
Raw video of First Nations canoeists leading Luna away from net pen
2004-06-16
2004-06-16
The latest news on what is happening at Gold River.
2004-06-16
Update provided by Dr. John Nightingale, President of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
2004-06-15
People and media flock to the Gold River docks to see Luna
2004-06-15
Set up is taking a little longer than expected
2004-06-14
Upate from VanAqua and DFO
2004-06-11
DFO gives go-ahead
2004-06-10
RELOCATION OF LUNA (L98)
2004-06-10
Based on feedback from NGOs and the public regarding L98
2004-06-08
L98 moved away from area when ADD used
2004-06-08
Net pen ready to go; VanAqua staff to arrive today
2004-06-07
L98 spotted in different areas of Nootka Sound
2004-06-04
Still a chance for a "natural" reunion for Luna
2004-06-01
BUT OPERATION CANNOT PROCEED WITHOUT FURTHER FUNDING
2004-06-01
Chances of “natural” reunion now dim
2004-05-29
DFO details media pool
2004-05-29
2004-05-28
Luna reunion update
2004-05-28
L 101 named Aurora
2004-05-27
The search for Luna’s pod continues
2004-05-27
Yesterday's Luna walk was another stellar success
2004-05-25
Search for Luna’s pod continues
2004-05-25
Two different groups of orcas seen last week
2004-05-24
Orcas have not been found yet
2004-05-21
Orcas identified include members of K & L Pod (warning: large files)
2004-05-20
L & K Pod sightings confirmed off Tofino
2004-05-20
Whales approximately 100km from Nootka Sound
2004-05-20
Luna reunion update; Ultra sensitive hydrophone aids search for Luna’s pod
2004-05-19
Plus updates on Anon, research project and fish farms
2004-05-17
Cash and in-kind donations needed this week
2004-05-17
Funds announced by Senator Cantwell will be used for post-release monitoring
2004-05-13
Luna would be happier socially if he were with his pod
2004-05-11
“Natural” reunion still possible for solitary orca
2004-05-11
New fish farms could threaten “natural” reunion
2004-05-06
All proceeds go to their Reunite Luna fund
2004-05-05
Seattle Aquarium - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m
2004-04-30
Agencies, Military, Maritime Industry and Coast Residents Called On to Help Connect Wayward Orca to His Pod
2004-04-30
Luna would not be going home if not for the efforts of this unsung hero
2004-04-29
L98 appears healthy; staying away from the docks
2004-04-23
Echolocating and calling often
2004-04-15
Designed to keep Luna away from active seaplanes; has not been used yet
2004-04-08
DFO and NOAA announce plans to move Luna in May
2004-04-07
Luna is going home!
2004-04-06
Joint US/Canada reintroduction plan
2004-04-05
Plan to reuninte Luna announced
2004-04-05
L98 is very vocal
2004-04-03
L98 Relocation Announcement
2004-04-02
Agreement to a cooperative plan to return L98 to southern resident population
2004-03-31
Interactions with boats down; Luna has done well over the winter
2004-03-29
For the Love of Orcas Conference in honor of Ralph and Karen Munro
2004-03-27
L98 appears healthy
2004-03-27
Details to be released in the next couple of weeks
2004-03-26
L98 watching the herring run; L Pod heard during orca survey
2004-03-19
ReuniteLuna.com asks the public to take a few minutes to write a letter or send an email
2004-03-17
Luna interfering with float planes
2004-03-09
Luna is active; plans to relocate L98 being discussed
2004-03-09
Update from Gold River
2004-03-08
L98 appears healthy
2004-03-04
Katie draws pictures for donations
2004-02-26
Goal is to find and track Southern Residents
2004-02-25
L98 staying away from seaplanes; transients in the area
2004-02-23
DFO enforcement officers advise that L98 remains healthy, active and strong.
2004-02-17
OrcaNetwork read this report at the workshop on Feb 14
2004-02-17
Spent time near Gold River two days ago
2004-02-06
Luna is moving around much more; plans progressing for a move
2004-02-05
Letter states that discussions have begun to move reunite Luna in the spring
2004-01-23
$100,000 allocated to move Luna this spring
2004-01-23
L98 has been spending most of his time in Muchalaht Inlet with occasional short visits to the dock in Gold River.
2004-01-22
Over the last month L98 has been observed regularly in and around Mooyah Bay and Muchalaht Inlet with egular visits to the dock in Gold River.
2004-01-16
New date is set for September 9, 2004
2004-01-15
Sat. Feb. 14th, 9 am - 4 pm, Coupeville Middle School, Whidbey Island
2004-01-14
Washington State Senator Maria Cantwell has supported Luna's reunification for several months. She can not be thanked enough!
2004-01-13
Please write, email or fax Paul MacGillivray to let him know more about Luna
2004-01-10
He appears fine and healthy
2004-01-08
Public urged to send letters and email to Canada’s new Fisheries and Oceans Minister
2004-01-07
Over the next few days, we will post some information that resides in the archives of the ReuniteLuna.com web site. Today, we have some quotes from the experts.
2004-01-05
Luna was seen last week near Gold River
2003-12-23
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking for written comments on the status of killer whales and the reclassification proposal.
2003-12-18
Orca Network invites you to browse our Website Shop to help with your holiday gift-giving
2003-12-17
Luna was seen last week; DFO fisheries officers report that Luna was in good health.
2003-12-16
DFO provides details on relocation, monitoring and Luna's activities
2003-12-15
Geoff Regan, from Halifax, was appointed by Canada's new Prime Minister, Paul Martin
2003-12-12
Meetings with NMFS and Scientific Panel confirmed
2003-12-10
We have not received any reports of confirmed Luna sightings in over a week. If anyone has seen Luna, could you please contact us with an update. contact@reuniteluna.com
2003-12-09
Luna was seen following a barge earlier this morning
2003-11-27
Luna has been seen several times over the past week, but the sightings are less frequent. Also news of Luna's encounter with Transients.
2003-11-24
Share the mission of orca stewardship with your friends and family this holiday season by giving an Orca Adoption!
2003-11-24
Luna was seen following a boat in to the docks at Gold River on Friday.
2003-11-17
After a few days of testing, the new on-line orca community bulletin board is now officially open.
2003-11-14
Luna was seen around100 sea lions, some nearly as big as him.
2003-11-13
The Marina Mirror Magazine and the Georgia Strait Alliance Pod-Luck party on Thursday, Nov. 13th has been postponed to a later date.
2003-11-12
Luna was seen on the weekend in Head Bay by the Tlupana Inlet, a very desolute area.
2003-11-10
ReuniteLuna.com, on behalf of the hundreds of emails that we have received, asked DFO to answer these questions. We will post their responses when we receive them.
2003-11-10
ReuniteLuna.com has learned that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) made the decision to leave Luna in Nootka Sound without consulting any third party scientists.
2003-11-07
If anyone has seen Luna, could you please email us at contact@reuniteluna.com. Click for more.
2003-11-07
Luna still getting into trouble with sea planes; DFO has been forced to intervene
2003-11-06
Susan Berta (OrcaNetowrk) talked with Brent Norberg from NOAA Fisheries this morning about the status of Luna's relocation plans, and got this brief update..
2003-11-05
Reuniting Luna with his pod will not only augment a diminishing population, it will provide invaluable data on migration patterns and orca behavior. I am pleased that the U.S. government will provide assistance in this important endeavor and I understand that NOAA Fisheries will be meeting with DFO next week to begin formulating a comprehensive plan that will give Luna the best possible shot at a normal life in the wild.
2003-10-31
Fohn Nightingale, President, Vancouver Aquarium appeared this morning on Canada AM. There is a video in Windows Media format. We ask eveyone to write to CTV and tell them that Luna should go home now.
2003-10-31
The real news and outcome of this poorly informed decision is that DFO is still stalling Luna's return, and forcing him to spend another winter away from his family
2003-10-30
The Minister also confirmed that after consulting with a variety of experts, he was advised that the chances of L98 (Luna) successfully reuniting with his pod will be greater in the spring.
2003-10-30
The Honourable Senator Pat Carney, P.C. wrote letters to DFO Minister Robert Thibault and Environment Minister David Anderson asking that DFO act quickly to ensure the protection of Luna and his species.
2003-10-30
ReuniteLuna.com demands that DFO authorize scientists to begin the process of moving Luna today, or explain with scientific evidence, why this process will not begin today.
2003-10-30
ReuniteLuna.com named best non-profit web site in worldwide competition.
2003-10-29
There is now a complete audio file of Marc's interview on The Jennifer Mather Show at the CKNW web site.
2003-10-28
Luna's cuts, for the most part, are caused primarily from rubbing against and pushing logs and boom sticks, one of his favourite pastimes.
2003-10-28
We receive hundreds of emails every day. This story is the best we have heard in a long time. It is about a five year old girl who has taken it upon herself to raise money for Luna by selling drawings.
2003-10-27
The Winter patterns of the Southern Resident Community relative to the success of Luna reuniting with whales from his community have been very inaccurate in the media reports over the last week.
2003-10-27
Senator Maria Cantwell, NOAA Fisheries, US Navy, and WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife partner to help Luna
2003-10-27
Orca Conservancy Celebrates Senator Maria Cantwell's Continued Commitment to the Restoration of Puget Sound's Depleted Orca Pods.
2003-10-26
Complete text of Sen. Cantwell's statement at her media conference earlier today. This text is unofficial.
2003-10-26
Washington Senator Maria Cantwell today announced a bilateral cooperation between National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Washington Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Senator Cantwell’s office.
2003-10-26
This is the perfect time for a reintroduction - Luna's pod is still around, and it is the time of year where they travel throughout the sound.
2003-10-25
The Whale Museum does not think releasing Luna next Spring or Summer has as much chance for success.
2003-10-24
There will be a press conference at 13:00 on Sunday Oct 26th, in Seattle, at the Port of Seattle with Senator Maria Cantwell, who will make an announcement in regards to Luna's translocation.
2003-10-24
The Whale Museum will now be applying for an emergency Prescott Grant on the U.S. side; still need to raise $20k to $50k immediately from the public
2003-10-24
The sooner Luna is moved the better his chances are of successfully rejoining his social group and therefore the better the chances are that he will be able to contribute to the future of the Southern Resident community.
2003-10-24
ReuniteLuna.com wants the best for Luna. Scientists have told us time and time again that the best situation for Luna is a translocation and an attempt at reintroduction to his pod.
2003-10-23
DFO has reviewed the proposals to relocate L98 to Juan de Fuca Strait to give him the opportunity to reunite with other L-pod killer whales. Two groups have outlined a viable approach, but neither has the funding to implement a plan to relocate Luna. The department is working collaboratively with the US (National Marine Fisheries Service) and third parties to discuss options regarding funding for the operation.
2003-10-23
An editorial by Chris White who is a resident of Gold River.
2003-10-21
This past weekend, their were many pod lucks held in support of Luna. At one party, Luna's pod showed up!! We encourage all of you to hold one soon. The dates have been extended to mid-November to give you more time to plan. Click the above link for more info.
2003-10-21
ReuiteLuna.com is asking everyone to write to DFO and tell them that they need to make a decision on the proposals that were submitted to move Luna. They need to make the decision today. Click the link for more instructions and contact info.
2003-10-18
ReuniteLuna has some updates on the proposals submited to DFO and negotiations with First Nations.
2003-10-17
The Luna Stewardship Project has posted new updates about Luna’s behavior over the past week, news of DFO officials seeing Luna, new Luna vocalizations and more. ReuniteLuna.com also has some new information.
2003-10-16
Howard Garrett of Orca Network replies to Bill Radke's Saturday column ("Luna to landlubbers: Leave me the heck alone") in the Seattle Post-Intellegencer
2003-10-16
DFO has received three proposals to reintroduce Luna to L-pod.
2003-10-15
Canada's CTV News had an article on Luna last night. The program is broadcast nationally at 11:00 pm.
2003-10-15
The Discovery Channel aired a segment about Luna on their "Daily Planet" show today.
2003-10-14
We have had many requests for information about how much money has been raised to help support Luna's move.
2003-10-11
Thank you all for attending this important public forum to discuss ongoing efforts to rescue Luna, the orca whale stranded in Nootka Sound.
2003-10-10
Orca Network has released an audio file of the Luna Forum which was held on Wednessday, October 8th in Seattle.
2003-10-10
If you live in BC and would like to help Luna, please email us at contact@reuniteluna.com. No money required, just about 15 minutes of time.
2003-10-10
Last night's "Luna Forum" in Seattle was a wonderfully successful evening in bringing together a large group of caring people who are committed to reuniting Luna with his family, L pod. Note: ReuniteLuna.com and OrcaNetwork will have links to an audio file of the forum Friday night.
2003-10-09
If you are interested in seeing some of what happened at the Luna Forum, put togheter by OrcaNetwork, KOMO News has a video report.
2003-10-09
At a public forum tonight, Marilyn Joyce (DFO) will explain Canadas proposal to reunite Luna, the lone orca whale swimming alone in Nootka Sound, B.C., with his Puget Sound-area pod.
2003-10-08
There are several organizations that are accepting donations which wil be used to move and monitor Luna.
2003-10-07
The next phase of reuniting Luna with his pod has now begun. Both DFO in Canada and NOAA in the United States have asked third party groups to help move Luna. These third party groups will be responsible for all costs in moving and monitoring Luna. There are several organizations who are now collecting donations to help offset the cost of the move. They need our help now!
2003-10-06
Orca Network has organized a public forum on the plan to reintroduce L98, or "Luna" back to his pod and home waters from Nootka Sound, B.C, where he has lived the past two years. Co-sponsors of the forum are the Seattle Aquarium and People for Puget Sound. The forum will be held at the Seattle Aquarium, Wednesday, October 8th, at 7 pm and the public is invited and encouraged to attend and participate.
2003-10-03
The Honourable Robert G. Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), announced today that the department is ready to move forward with the relocation of the young killer whale known as L98 or Luna. To protect public safety, the one tonne mammal will be moved from Nootka Sound to Juan de Fuca Strait on the west coast of Vancouver Island with the hope of giving this whale the opportunity to re-unite with its pod.
2003-10-03
Yesterday afternoon, CBC Radio's "The Afternoon Show" interviewed Michael Harris from Orca Conservancy about the challenges and methods of moving Luna closer to the Southern Residents.
2003-10-03
The Luna Stewardship Project has a new web site, which is updated often. Their is great information, audio and photos abut Luna. The address is www.lunastewardship.com. We would like to thank the Luna Stewardship Project for sharing information with us!
2003-10-03
Some organizations who are interested in helping with a Luna move are frustrated over the lack of details released so far.
2003-10-02
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has confirmed that its position is to attempt to reintroduce L-98 (Luna) to his pod. The department believes this is the best way of protecting the public and the whale.
2003-10-01
The Luna Stewardship Project has provided us with some audio of Luna's calls recorded last week. Luna has been heard screaming above water recently.
2003-10-01
On September 23rd, DFO Deputy Minister Larry Murray sent out a letter which stated that, "The decision to proceed with reunification was not made easily." DFO has stated that the letter was sent out prematurely. We have decided to repost it because we have received many requests for copies to the letter.
2003-10-01
Yesterday on The Jennifer Mather Show, Ms. Mather interviewed Marilyn Joyce from DFO and Michael Harris from Orca Conservancy. We have an audio file in Windows Media Player of the interview.
2003-10-01
There are many media organizations covering Luna tonight. We will try to link to the news as we receive it. Please scroll down to the "Media Coverage" section below for all of the stories.
2003-09-30
Peter Ross said today that Luna will be placed in a net pen at Nootka Sound for seven days before he is moved closer to his pod. This is to allow scientists and veterinarians to determine that he has no diseases.
2003-09-29
The Luna Stewardship Project- LSP (www.lunastewardship.com) provides Luna updates a few times a week . Their reports are filed from Nootka Sound. Here are some reports from last week.
2003-09-29
Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is expected to make an announcement regarding a possible reunification of Luna with his family early this week. DFO senior officials are now reviewing the plan.
2003-09-29
The Aquarium has set up a special fund with all proceeds going to support an attempt to reintroduce Luna to his pod. If the Aquarium is not involved in moving Luna, they will redirect funds to the appropriate agency.
2003-09-27
The scientific panel convened today to finalize an approach to reintroduce Luna to L-pod. This plan is very complex and we are pleased with the progress that was made. This plan will now be submitted to DFO senior officials for consideration. We hope to announce a decision early next week.
2003-09-24
Their notice also stated that there has been very significant progress in finalizing an intervnetion plan to put forward for approval (for a possible Luna reintroduction)..
2003-09-23
The letters are dated September 18th. Unfortunately the information in the letter was out of date at the time the letter was issued.
2003-09-22
Luna was seen in Zeballos on Thursday and then moved back to his regular territory.
2003-09-22
CBC Radio Vancouver interviewed Michael Harris from Orca Conservancy yesterday on their afternoon show. We have provided a link to the audio file. It is a great interview, packed with a lot of information.
2003-09-20
DFO has not made a decision on a possible intervention with L98.
2003-09-19
The scientific panel advising DFO on what to do with Luna has recommended an attempt at reuniting him with his family in U.S. waters.
2003-09-19
DFO issued a statement about the Scientific Panel meeting on their web site this morning. They said that a decision regarding Luna will be made next week.
2003-09-18
Voice your opinions to "The New VI" a Victoria BC TV station. You can also vote about whether Luna should be reunited with his pod.
2003-09-18
No decision on Luna announced yet...
2003-09-18
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell today called on U.S. and Canadian fishery officials to develop a comprehensive framework to guide the management, research, and recovery of the Southern Resident orca population. Cantwell also urged the parties to work collaboratively to reunite L98-also known as Luna-an individual orca that has been stranded in Nootka Sound near Gold River for over two years with its pod currently located in the Pudget Sound area.
2003-09-17
While there is a break in news regarding Luna, we thought we should take some time to say thanks to all of you and to answer some of your questions about this web site.
2003-09-15
L98 has been spotted at Muchalaht Inlet in Nootka Sound
2003-09-14
Marilyn Joyce, Marine Mammals Coordinator, Pacific Region Fisheries and Oceans Canada was interviewed about Luna last night on this popular radio program.
2003-09-13
Yesterday, DFO released a statement that they would consider a reunification plan for Luna if all contingencies could be accounted for. They will meet with their panel again next week. OrcaNetwork has replied to this announcement.
2003-09-11
DFO has reconvened the advisory scientific panel to discuss potential intervention options to reintroduce Luna to his pod. DFO has not made a decision at this time, but is prepared to consider reintroduction if the panel can present options to deal with possible risks.
2003-09-11
His injuries seem to be healing well.
2003-09-10
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans have created a Luna specific web page inside their Marine Mammals page.
2003-09-09
This update is from from Marc Pakenham of the Luna Stewardship Project. It was sent to OrcaNetwork on September 8th.
2003-09-09
OrcaNetowrk has set up a forum page for Luna which has some great letters from many of their site visitors. This is a page worth bookmarking!
2003-09-08
For those of you who only have a second, we have added three new email letters to the auto-emailer. With one click of the mouse, you can send a letter to all of the DFO officials involved in Luna's decsion.
2003-09-05
We have compiled another list of contact addresses. Please spend 15 minutes this weekend helping the litte guy get home.
2003-09-05
Marilyn Joyce took time to answer some of your questions regarding Luna, the Scientific Panel, captivity, aquariums, and more.
2003-09-05
Canadian Alliance MP John Cummins (Delta - South Richmond) sent this response Ryan regarding Luna's reunification
2003-09-04
OrcaNetwork sent out this press release today. They have proposed an alternative option to captivity for Luna, if a reunification is unsuccessful.
2003-09-04
“The Vancouver Aquarium, like everyone who cares about whales, is hoping that Luna will reunite with his pod”, said Dr. Lance Barrett-Lennard of the Vancouver Aquarium.
2003-09-03
Luna's injuries are not life threatening, and his first cut is healing fine.
2003-09-03
Luna appears healthy.
2003-09-01
With concerns growing about the possibility of a tragic injury to Luna, Shannon Carifelle shares a story of her encounters with Luna last summer. The story is highlighted by photos of an injured Luna, which provides further evidence that he should be reunited with his family.
2003-09-01
DFO officials met on Tuesday, August 26, 2003 to discuss Luna’s situation. So far, they have not publicly announced the results of the meeting.
2003-09-01
Kelly Kozak replied to DFO after reading an August 27th letter from Marilyn Joyce to OrcaNetwork, where DFO updated Luna's condition
2003-08-30
Marilyn Joyce, from DFO, updated OrcaNetwork on Luna's condition on Friday
2003-08-30
The L98 stewardship and a DFO enforcement team have been dispatched to assess his injuries.
2003-08-28
Ryan Lejbak, from ReuniteLuna.com, shares a letter he sent to the DFO minister regarding the Species Recovery Act. The letter demonstrates that DFO has an obligation to reunite Luna with his family.
2003-08-27
Luna sustains large cut over his eye
2003-08-27
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has set up a new web site focusing on Marine Mammals
2003-08-26
From all accounts, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is reading our letters, faxes and emails. Your voice counts!
2003-08-26
Gail Laurie sent a letter on behalf of ReuniteLuna.com to the Minister asking him to tell the public what DFO intends to do with Luna.
2003-08-22
In Today’s Vancouver Province, a DFO spokesperson said there are three options being considered for Luna. "One is to leave the animal where it is, keeping an eye on it. The other is to move it to a facility like an aquarium. And the other one is to try to reunite it with its family."
2003-08-21
Gail Laurie spent the day in Gold River and provides us with the latest Luna info
2003-08-16
We have heard that Luna's situation is starting to reach the ears of some key decision makers.
2003-08-15
Diane Gardetto's visited Gold River for Vacation. This is what she saw...
2003-08-14
Notes from Diane Gardetto's talk at the Orca Network's annual commemoration of the 1970 Penn Cove orca capture
2003-08-14
Whale freed when an axe was found to cut the net.
2003-08-11
The following information is contained on the log filed by the Luna Stewardship
2003-08-03
On July 9, as I arrived at Hanson Islands OrcaLab to await the first anniversary of Springer's reunion with her wild orca family
2003-07-24
As a member of the scientific panel convened by Canad's Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to provide advice about Luna (L98), the solitary male orca who has been in Nootka Sound for the past tow years, I cannot reveal details of our conversation.
2003-07-08
As boating season gears up in Nootka Sound, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) asks recreational and commercial boaters to help protect our marine mammals from disturbance.
2003-05-29
Scientific Panel to Evaluate Options For Lone Orca
2002-10-10
