Press Release of Senator Cantwell

Cantwell: Decision Needed for Baby Orca

Thursday, May 16,2002

WASHINGTON, DC - In a letter today, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today urged the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service to "develop a definitive action plan and commit to a timetable for making a decision on how to proceed" on the fate of the orphaned orca A-73 who has been near Vashon Island since January.

"This orca needs a decision and an action plan," Cantwell said. "We cannot afford to let indecision on timing determine this orphaned orca's fate."

On Tuesday, the Vancouver Aquarium set a Wednesday deadline for NMFS to decide whether or not intervention is the best course of action for the orca. Earlier this week, NMFS took blood tests on the orca. Today, NMFS announced that the orca does not have the genetic defect that causes ketosis.

The text of the letter follows:

March 16, 2002

Mr. Bob Lohn Regional Director National Marine Fisheries Service 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, Washington 98115

Dear Mr. Lohn:

As you know, orphaned orca "A-73" which is presently residing in the waters of Puget Sound is suffering from health problems. Since January, NMFS has aimed to act in the best interest and welfare of the orca with well-informed, scientific data. While I appreciate NMFS' commitment on this issue, the time has come for NMFS to develop a definitive action plan and commit to a timetable for making a decision on how to proceed.

When the orca first appeared, NMFS rightly took the cautious approach of gathering information and observing A-73 before committing to any plan of action. Now, five months later, significant expert opinion exists that alternatives for the long-term survival of the A-73 orca are slipping away. The orca now needs a definitive timeline for making a decision. We cannot afford to let indecision on timing determine this orphaned orca's fate.

Therefore, I encourage NMFS to use the available science to make a decision and promptly develop a plan for action that includes a specific timeline to maximize the options for this orca's long-term survival. As the legally responsible agency, NMFS should make clear to the public and other members of the scientific community the framework for its process and any related decisions.

Sincerely,

[ Original signed ]

Maria Cantwell U.S. Senator


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Maria's Monday Memo To sign up for Maria's weekly newsletter, enter your email address: Search The Site	News Press Release of Senator Cantwell Cantwell: Decision Needed for Baby Orca Thursday, May 16,2002 WASHINGTON, DC - In a letter today, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today urged the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service to "develop a definitive action plan and commit to a timetable for making a decision on how to proceed" on the fate of the orphaned orca A-73 who has been near Vashon Island since January. "This orca needs a decision and an action plan," Cantwell said. "We cannot afford to let indecision on timing determine this orphaned orca's fate." On Tuesday, the Vancouver Aquarium set a Wednesday deadline for NMFS to decide whether or not intervention is the best course of action for the orca. Earlier this week, NMFS took blood tests on the orca. Today, NMFS announced that the orca does not have the genetic defect that causes ketosis. The text of the letter follows: March 16, 2002 Mr. Bob Lohn Regional Director National Marine Fisheries Service 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, Washington 98115 Dear Mr. Lohn: As you know, orphaned orca "A-73" which is presently residing in the waters of Puget Sound is suffering from health problems. Since January, NMFS has aimed to act in the best interest and welfare of the orca with well-informed, scientific data. While I appreciate NMFS' commitment on this issue, the time has come for NMFS to develop a definitive action plan and commit to a timetable for making a decision on how to proceed. When the orca first appeared, NMFS rightly took the cautious approach of gathering information and observing A-73 before committing to any plan of action. Now, five months later, significant expert opinion exists that alternatives for the long-term survival of the A-73 orca are slipping away. The orca now needs a definitive timeline for making a decision. We cannot afford to let indecision on timing determine this orphaned orca's fate. Therefore, I encourage NMFS to use the available science to make a decision and promptly develop a plan for action that includes a specific timeline to maximize the options for this orca's long-term survival. As the legally responsible agency, NMFS should make clear to the public and other members of the scientific community the framework for its process and any related decisions. Sincerely, [ Original signed ] Maria Cantwell U.S. Senator
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