In a gesture of goodwill, the mayor of a remote Newfoundland town has proposed providing a sanctuary for 30 beluga whales currently held by Marineland Canada. The Town of Burgeo has reached out to federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson with the idea of creating a refuge for the whales within a sheltered cove. Mayor Trevor Green expressed confidence in the potential for the whales to flourish in the waters off his town, emphasizing the importance of natural habitats for these creatures.
Marineland Canada, located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is facing financial challenges and has sought government assistance to avoid euthanizing the whales in its possession. Earlier plans to relocate the belugas to a theme park in China were thwarted when export permits were denied. In response, Burgeo is proposing a relocation plan to a small saltwater inlet along the south coast fjords, an area envisioned to become a protected national marine conservation zone.
Efforts are underway to assess the feasibility of designating the region as a marine conservation area, involving collaboration between Parks Canada, Indigenous groups, and local authorities. Mayor Green believes that establishing a whale sanctuary in this area would not only benefit the whales but also boost the region’s appeal for global tourism. Despite the ongoing discussions, the town remains committed to the proposal even if the conservation area designation does not materialize.
While the plan is still in its early stages, external support is emerging, with the Atlantic Salmon Federation offering assistance to cover transportation costs. Mayor Green has also engaged the provincial government, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Minister Thompson’s office has acknowledged the proposal, indicating a willingness to consider solutions and review any requests from Marineland. Green emphasized the need for prompt action, underscoring the time-sensitive nature of the initiative.
