The mayor of a small Newfoundland town has proposed creating a sanctuary for 30 beluga whales that currently belong to Marineland Canada. The Town of Burgeo has reached out to federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, suggesting a sheltered cove as a potential home for the whales. Mayor Trevor Green expressed confidence in the whales’ ability to thrive in the waters off Burgeo.
Green emphasized the importance of relocating the whales to a more natural habitat, highlighting the benefits of rural innovation and environmental stewardship for Newfoundland. The belugas are currently in the possession of Marineland Canada, which is facing financial difficulties and seeking government assistance to avoid euthanizing the whales.
Marineland’s plans to send the whales to a theme park in China were thwarted, leading to the town’s proposal for their relocation to a saltwater inlet along the south coast fjords of Newfoundland. The area is undergoing a feasibility study for designation as a protected national marine conservation area, in collaboration with Parks Canada, Indigenous groups, and local governments.
Mayor Green believes that establishing a whale sanctuary in the region would enhance its appeal to tourists and increase its value. Third-party support, including assistance from the Atlantic Salmon Federation to cover transport costs, has been secured for the initiative. Despite the early stage of the plan, Green remains optimistic about its potential success.
While the proposal is still in development, Green has involved the provincial government in the discussions. Fisheries Minister Thompson’s office has acknowledged receipt of the proposal and expressed openness to considering solutions for the beluga whales. Green emphasized the urgency of taking action promptly to ensure the well-being of the whales and the success of the sanctuary project.
