The mayor of a small town in Newfoundland has extended an offer to provide a new home for 30 beluga whales currently under the ownership of Marineland Canada.
Officials from the Town of Burgeo have reached out to the federal Fisheries Minister, Joanne Thompson, with a proposal to establish a sanctuary for the whales within a sheltered cove.
Mayor Trevor Green expressed confidence in the whales’ ability to flourish in the waters off the coast of Burgeo.
Green emphasized the importance of relocating the whales to a more natural habitat, highlighting the benefits of conservation efforts and innovative practices for rural communities in Newfoundland.
He stressed his preference for the whales to live out their lives in their natural environment rather than being confined to artificial settings.
The beluga whales are currently in the possession of Marineland Canada, a theme park located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, which is facing financial challenges and seeking government assistance to sustain its operations.
Earlier attempts to export the whales to a theme park in China were unsuccessful after export permits were denied by Minister Thompson.
The proposed relocation site for the beluga whales is a small saltwater inlet along the south coast fjords of Newfoundland, an area that local authorities envision as a potential national marine conservation area.
A collaborative feasibility study involving Parks Canada, Indigenous groups, and local and provincial governments is currently underway to assess the viability of establishing a national marine conservation area in the region.
Mayor Green highlighted the synergies between a whale sanctuary and a marine conservation area, emphasizing the potential for environmental and economic benefits.
In his correspondence with government officials, Green emphasized the added value a whale sanctuary would bring to the area, potentially attracting global tourism.
While the plan is still in its early stages, Green noted the presence of third-party support, including assistance from the Atlantic Salmon Federation to cover transportation costs.
Green expressed optimism about the project and its potential benefits, even if the conservation area designation does not materialize as planned.
He confirmed ongoing discussions with the provincial government, despite its current caretaker status ahead of an upcoming election.
In response to the proposal, a statement from Minister Thompson’s press secretary acknowledged the initiative and emphasized the government’s willingness to consider viable solutions and review any export requests from Marineland.
Green urged prompt action on the matter, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for timely decisions.
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