Beluga whale.

Here’s how the vote for a proposed motion regarding a plebiscite on captive dolphins and whales in Vancouver is shaping up.

So far, proponent and Vancouver Green park commissioner Stuart Mackinnon says that he’s secured the support of COPE’s Loretta Woodcock and Vision Vancouver’s Constance Barnes.

That makes three votes—still one vote short of what’s need to pass a motion at the seven-member park board.

“The other people have not indicated how they will vote,” Mackinnon told the Straight by phone today (July 14).

Pressed on the whether he knows how the three other Vision commissioners may likely vote, Mackinnon let out a hearty laugh, and said, “Which is why I’m trying to get people to write to the mayor’s office because I think if the mayor [Gregor Robertson] were to come on the side, then the other commissioners would as well.”

Asked what might be keeping Vision commissioners Aaron Jasper, Raj Hundal, and Sarah Blyth from supporting his motion, Mackinnon said, “I don’t know. Either they are indifferent to the question or perhaps they’re concerned about involving themselves in a contentious issue.”

Mackinnon also said that he’s still working on lone NPA park commissioner Ian Robertson.

In a phone interview, Hundal said that he’s eager to listen to the debate on the motion when the board meets on Monday (July 19).

Hundal also said that he wants to see the Vancouver Aquarium, which exhibits the cetaceans, continue to play an “educational” role for children in the city.

The aquarium’s lease at Stanley Park expires in 2015.

This is the reason why the bylaw on allowing captive cetaceans will not be reviewed by the park board until that year, according to Mackinnon.

Mackinnon’s motion would provide for a plebiscite during the 2011 civic election.