Cantwell Calls for Bilateral Cooperation BetweenU.S. and Canada on Orca Recovery
WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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 Puget Sound area.
The text of the letter is as follows:
September 16, 2003
His Excellency Michael F. Kergin Ambassador of Canada to the United States of America Canadian Embassy 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20001
Dear Ambassador Kergin:
I am writing to request your assistance on an important matter relating to the management of the Southern Resident orca population that inhabits the Puget Sound in Washington State and Canadian waters off the coast of the Province of British Columbia. As a "keystone" marine species, the recent alarming drop in the local orca population has generated substantial media and local interest in the State of Washington.
Recently, attention on the declining orca population has focused on the plight of L98—also known as Luna—an individual orca currently located in Nootka Sound near Gold River. This orca was somehow separated from his family members more than two years ago. Recently, Luna's behavior has become increasingly erratic, endangering himself and nearby boaters. Prompt attention to this matter on both sides of the border is needed to avoid injuries to people, further injuries to L98, or other negative outcomes such as placing Luna in captivity.
The situation highlights the critical importance of promoting bilateral cooperation between NOAA Fisheries, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans, as well as other relevant agencies and stakeholders. I am writing to ask your support in facilitating collaborative efforts between Canadian wildlife officials and their U.S. counterparts to address this problem in an expeditious manner. This situation also underscores the need to develop a bilateral protocol between the U.S. and Canada that establishes a comprehensive framework to guide the management, research, and recovery of the Southern Resident orca population. By working cooperatively, I believe we can stem the loss of these majestic regional icons.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Maria Cantwell United States Senator
cc: Honorable Robert G. Thibault Minister, Fisheries and Oceans
The Honorable Roger Simmons Consul General of Canada in Seattle
Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere NOAA Administrator U.S. Department of Commerce
The Honorable John F. Turner Assistant Secretary Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Department of State
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