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Sustainable
eNews |
September 2004 |
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IWMC
World Conservation Trust |
LUNA is not another WILLY
Orcas
are social animals, top predators in their environment, and when they are
deprived of their fellows, their behavior tends to be dysfunctional - both for
them and for their surroundings. A young male orca in Nootka Sound has been
found to be solitary, having lost contact with its natal pod when the rest of
the animals migrated out of there. It apparently needs companionship of some
kind, and unfortunately, it has apparently substituted fishing boats for its
natural companions. The animal, now named Luna for the time being, has become a
dangerous menace to fishing and tour boats that enter the waters it feels are
its territory. Luna intentionally rams, bumps, and in other ways, continually
encounters boats, causing structural damage and significant fear on the part of
the boaters.
| A plan to capture this
animal and transport it to what is believed to be its natal pod, was
frustrated during the last few months by another development. |
| Native Canadians say that their late
chief declared that when he died, he would "come back" to the
tribe as a local orca male. Sure enough, Luna appeared shortly after his
demise. When DFO officials attempted to herd the animal into a sea pen,
angry Mowachaht/Muchalaht men in canoes came on the scene and prevented
the animal's capture. |
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Recently, the Government of Canada and the
Mowachaht people got together on a satisfactory compromise that appears to solve
the danger-to-boats problem. The DFO has ordered that area of Nootka Sound off
limits to fishing and tour boats, and the Mowachaht people shall monitor the
animal and report any boating violations that occur.
Luna shall not be subject to further capture
attempts for the time being, and an atmosphere of respect for Native beliefs
seems to have been given priority over concerns that the animal be reunited with
its orca relatives.
This clash of cultures has been halted for the
time being, and the orca Luna is not being artificially housed or fed, as was
the unfortunate Willy. No one can predict whether or not this animal may be
reunited with its pod if the pod should return to the area. Canada and the
Mowachaht people are perhaps wisely letting nature run its course in this
instance.
Congratulations to the two parties to this
diplomatic and humane effort. They have treated each other's perspectives with
respect and dignity and both feel they are doing the right thing as prescribed
by their respective laws in each case.
Well done, Canada and the Mowachaht/Muchalaht.
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