HALIFAX — The Nova Scotia government has granted approval for the Whale Sanctuary Project to begin construction on North America’s first coastal refuge for captive whales, marking a major milestone for marine animal welfare.
Premier Tim Houston’s cabinet approved a 20-year lease covering 83 hectares of Crown land and coastal waters near Wine Harbour on the province’s eastern shore.
“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 U.S.-based non-profit to move forward with plans to build a floating net enclosure designed for whales and dolphins retired from marine parks like Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
$20-Million Ocean Refuge
The proposed $20-million sanctuary will include a 40-hectare enclosed bay capable of housing up to 10 beluga whales, with annual operational costs estimated at $2 million.
Executive Director Charles Vinick said the project will not rely on government funding but will instead expand private fundraising efforts to complete construction, possibly as early as next year.
Before any whales are relocated, however, the project must receive final permits from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada.
Marineland Controversy
The approval comes amid growing scrutiny of Marineland, where 21 marine mammals — including 19 belugas — have died since 2019. Earlier this month, the federal government rejected Marineland’s request to export its belugas to China, citing welfare concerns.
Marineland criticized the Nova Scotia project, calling the site “polluted and financially unviable.” Vinick dismissed those claims, saying extensive environmental testing has already been completed and remediation plans are in place for old mining waste in the area.
Environmental and Ethical Milestone
Animal rights groups, including Animal Justice, hailed the Nova Scotia government’s decision as “a historic step” toward improving the lives of captive whales.
“This offers real hope for a permanent, peaceful home for beluga whales currently suffering in tanks,” the group said. “They’ll finally be able to feel tides, explore natural surroundings, and live with dignity.”
Local concerns remain over water access restrictions once nets are installed, though the government has not yet confirmed how landowner approvals were resolved.
If completed, the Whale Sanctuary Project will represent North America’s first ocean-based home for formerly captive whales, offering a model for ethical rehabilitation and long-term care.
