A major milestone has been reached for marine conservation in Canada. The Nova Scotia government has officially granted the Whale Sanctuary Project approval to begin construction on North America’s first coastal refuge for captive whales, located near Wine Harbour on the province’s eastern shore.
20-Year Lease Approved for Landmark Whale Sanctuary
The U.S.-based Whale Sanctuary Project announced that Premier Tim Houston’s cabinet approved a 20-year lease for 83 hectares of Crown lands and coastal waters near Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia.
“This is a great day for the Whale Sanctuary Project and for the whales,” the organization said in a statement. “We look forward to pressing ahead in every way to establish the whale sanctuary.”
The approval allows the group to begin building a large floating net enclosure for whales and dolphins retired from marine theme parks such as Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
$20-Million Facility to Provide Safe Haven for Captive Whales
The proposed 40-hectare enclosure is expected to house up to 10 of Marineland’s 30 beluga whales once completed. The non-profit organization says it will rely entirely on private fundraising to cover the estimated $20 million construction cost and $2 million in annual operating expenses.
Executive Director Charles Vinick said the sanctuary could open as early as next year, pending permits from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada.
Marineland Controversy and Environmental Concerns
According to The Canadian Press, 19 belugas, one killer whale, and one dolphin have died at Marineland since 2019. The company maintains that the deaths are part of the natural life cycle but has faced mounting criticism from animal welfare advocates.
Earlier this month, Marineland made headlines when the federal government blocked its attempt to sell belugas to buyers in China. The company claimed it might euthanize the whales due to financial strain.
Marineland has publicly opposed the Nova Scotia project, arguing that the site is “too polluted” and financially unviable. In a report, the park alleged the location had seen no progress since plans were unveiled in 2020.
Vinick dismissed these claims, stating that extensive environmental testing has been completed and that the sanctuary has approval for measures to contain residual mining waste from the area’s past gold mining activity.
Local Concerns and Landowner Opposition
Earlier this year, progress was delayed due to opposition from several local landowners, who expressed concern about losing access to the coastal waters once the enclosure is installed.
The Nova Scotia government had previously stated that unanimous consent was required to move forward, though it remains unclear if this condition has been fully met.
Despite these challenges, the project’s recent approval signals significant momentum. The Whale Sanctuary Project says it will not seek government funding and remains committed to raising all necessary funds privately.
Animal Advocates Celebrate Nova Scotia’s Decision
Animal welfare organizations, including Animal Justice, applauded the government’s approval, calling it a historic step forward for animal welfare.
“This offers real hope for a permanent, peaceful home for many of the beluga whales currently suffering in tanks at Marineland,” Animal Justice said. “The whales will finally be able to feel the rhythms of tides and seasons and explore a natural environment, all while receiving the care they need after a lifetime in captivity.”
source: Global News
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