The mayor of a small town in Newfoundland has extended an offer to provide a new home for 30 beluga whales currently owned by Marineland Canada. The Town of Burgeo has reached out to federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson with a proposal to establish a sanctuary for the whales within a sheltered cove.
Mayor Trevor Green expressed confidence that the beluga whales could thrive in the waters off the coast of his town, emphasizing the opportunity to relocate them to a more natural habitat. Green highlighted the importance of stewardship and rural innovation for Newfoundland during an interview with CBC Radio’s The Broadcast.
The belugas are currently in the possession of Marineland Canada, a struggling amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, which has sought financial assistance from the government. Previous plans to send the whales to a theme park in China were thwarted when export permit requests were denied by Minister Thompson.
Burgeo is suggesting that the whales be moved to a small saltwater inlet in an area along the south coast fjords, which the town envisions becoming a protected national marine conservation area. Efforts are underway to conduct a feasibility study for the proposed conservation area involving Parks Canada, Indigenous groups, and local governments.
Mayor Green wrote in his letter that establishing a whale sanctuary could enhance the area’s value and attract global tourism. Despite the aspiration to have the beluga whales in the protected conservation area, Green emphasized that the proposal remains viable even if that aspect does not materialize.
While the plan is still in its early stages, Green mentioned that there is third-party support for the initiative. The Atlantic Salmon Federation has offered assistance to cover transportation costs for the whales, demonstrating a serious commitment to the project.
Green has also shared information with the provincial government, which is currently in caretaker mode ahead of an upcoming election. Minister Thompson’s press secretary acknowledged receipt of the message and stated that the Minister is open to considering solutions proposed and reviewing any export requests from Marineland.
Expressing a sense of urgency, Green emphasized the importance of taking action promptly. The community is hopeful that a positive outcome can be achieved for the beluga whales, emphasizing the significance of their well-being in a more natural habitat.