MMFN Tsux'iit Guardians

Click here to link to the MMFN Tsux'iit Guardians website

In 2001, a young killer whale entered the waters of Nootka Sound on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Named Luna, or Tsux'iit, the whale established residence in the inlets leading up to Gold River, interacting with small boats and humans. Now that the young orca is growing bigger these interactions have increased, raising concerns for the welfare of Luna and the safety of local boaters. Researchers fear that the longer he attempts to bond with boaters and other humans he will lose his ability to interact with his own species.

Both Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and a panel of experts agreed that this is a complex and unusual situation and the reasons for L98’s solitary existence are not clear. Intervention in this situation poses risks for both the whale and the public and the likelihood of a successful reintroduction cannot be assured.

Efforts to relocate Luna with his family pod have been contentious, and the subject of much news. The WCVI Aquatic Management Board has developed a webpage as a platform for different persectives on the issues surrounding Luna. They believe that the parties directly involved can develop a practical plan by understanding and respecting differing interests, experiences and knowledge.

They believe that Luna has the potential to bring people together, through a process of resolution which promotes understanding and respect across cultures.