Cantwell, Murray call for international protocol to deal with orphaned whales
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) today called on the Administration to develop an international protocol for dealing with orphaned whales. The recent examples of two wayward orcas, "A-73" and "L-98," highlighted the need for decision-making guidelines for dealing with orphaned whales.
The text of the letter follows:
October 16, 2002
Bob Lohn Regional Director National Marine Fisheries Service Seattle, Washington 98115
Dr. John Davis Regional Director General Pacific Region Fisheries and Oceans Canada Vancouver, BC V6B 5G3
Dear Mr. Lohn and Dr. Davis:
We are writing to inquire about the status of the international protocol setting forth the decision-making guidelines for dealing with orphaned whales. As you may remember, we wrote you a letter dated May 31, 2002 to request bilateral cooperation between the United States National Marine Fisheries Service ("NMFS") and Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans ("DFO") regarding this issue.
This issue was highlighted by the recent efforts to rescue the orphaned orca, "A-73." We are extremely pleased with the successful outcome of A-73's reunification with her Canadian family. However, during A-73's plight it became clear that we should have decision-making guidelines in place to facilitate our future response to similar situations. In addition to A-73, you are undoubtedly aware of "L-98" who is a Southern Resident orca whose native pod resides off the coast of Washington state. L-98 has been alone for over a year in Nootka Sound, even though his mother is still alive and his pod is nearby. DFO's M3 project has been working to prevent any mishaps between L-98 and vessels. Both situations draw attention to the critical need now, more than ever, for international cooperation in the development of a decision-making protocol to handle future orphan situations. We believe that to ensure proper stewardship of these wild marine mammals, our countries must work together to develop a clear policy.
The lack of a clear policy with respect to whales like A-73 and L-98 has resulted in agency indecision and community frustration. While we understand that rescue efforts are high-risk operations that must take into account many factors, we believe that having a protocol in place to guide decision-making can prevent unnecessary delay, expense, and controversy when dealing with the prospect of intervention in future situations.
We believe that bilateral international cooperation must be the guiding principle in our efforts to protect these magnificent creatures, which are cultural icons of our entire region. We thank you for your agencies' efforts in this matter and appreciate your prompt attention to this issue. Please let us know if our offices can be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
[original signed]
Maria Cantwell Patty Murray United States Senator United States Senator
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