10.09.03

Sen. Cantwell's Statement on Luna, Stranded Orca

Dear Friends:

Thank you all for attending this important public forum to discuss ongoing efforts to rescue Luna, the orca whale stranded in Nootka Sound.

The scientists, government officials, and non-profit organizations from both sides of the border gathered here tonight represent many of the world’s leading authorities on orcas and you understand best what steps are needed to reverse the alarming decline in our beloved Southern Resident orcas. Many of us in the Pacific Northwest feel a personal connection toward this magnificent species. These connections require us to make a special effort to ensure that orcas continue to thrive in our region’s waters.

My office has stayed in close contact with NOAA Fisheries, Canadian officials, and local groups to monitor both the health of the resident population and Luna’s unique situation. I was pleased that officials from both the U.S. and Canada endorsed the comprehensive relocation plan under discussion tonight. I look forward to working with NOAA Fisheries and others to implement the plan.

However, I am concerned that Luna’s plight is a symptom of a larger problem affecting the greater orca population. Many of you who were instrumental in saving Springer know we also need to focus our efforts on understanding the decline in our Southern Resident Orcas. That’s why I was pleased to secure $750,000 last year to fund research by NOAA Fisheries to determine factors that may be causing the population’s decline, define goals for population recovery, and identify specific measures to help restore the population. This year we were able to build on these efforts with a $1.5 million appropriation in the Senate. I will continue to fight to secure these funds in the final version of the bill.

Continuing cooperation between the U.S. and Canada is another critical component in overall orca recovery. I believe we need a bilateral protocol to address the management issues, research needs, and recovery planning for the Southern Resident pods. While my office has begun preliminary discussions in this area, I believe we must do more.

Nearly thirty years ago Senator Warren Magnuson wrote the Marine Mammal Protection Act at a time when orcas were being captured to serve as performers at out-of-state aquariums. Declaring them "Puget Sound’s most unique living natural resource," Maggie set a legacy of protecting orcas and improving their general marine environment. By working cooperatively, we can maintain this tradition and stem the loss of these majestic regional icons.

Thank you again to everyone attending this important meeting here today. I am grateful for your dedication to this important cause.

Sincerely,

Maria Cantwell United State Senator