In a proactive move, the mayor of a rural Newfoundland town has extended an offer to provide a new home for 30 beluga whales currently under the ownership of Marineland Canada. The Town of Burgeo, through Mayor Trevor Green, has reached out to federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson with a proposal to establish a sanctuary for the whales within a sheltered cove in their vicinity.
Mayor Green expressed his confidence in the whales’ potential to flourish in the coastal waters near Burgeo, emphasizing the importance of relocating them to a more natural habitat. He highlighted the significance of this initiative in promoting environmental stewardship and fostering rural innovation in Newfoundland.
The beluga whales are currently in the possession of Marineland Canada, located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, a facility facing financial challenges and seeking government support to sustain its operations. Initially planned for transfer to a theme park in China, the whales faced export permit denials, leading to the urgent need for an alternative solution.
The proposed relocation site in Burgeo is a small saltwater inlet along the south coast fjords, an area earmarked for potential designation as a protected national marine conservation area through ongoing collaborative efforts involving Parks Canada, Indigenous groups, and local authorities. Mayor Green highlighted the synergies between establishing a sanctuary for the belugas and the conservation goals of the proposed marine protected area.
Mayor Green’s proposal envisions the whale sanctuary as a significant asset that could enhance the region’s appeal to global tourists. Despite the early stage of the plan, external support has emerged, with the Atlantic Salmon Federation offering assistance to cover transportation expenses, signaling a commitment to the project’s success.
Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, Mayor Green emphasized the need for prompt action, underscoring the time-sensitive nature of the initiative. The proposal has garnered attention at the provincial level as well, with information forwarded to the interim government ahead of an upcoming election.
In response, Minister Thompson’s press secretary expressed appreciation for the proposal, affirming the government’s willingness to consider viable solutions and review any export requests put forth by Marineland. The collaborative efforts and support received indicate a strong commitment to realizing the vision of providing a new home for the beluga whales in a more natural and sustainable environment in Newfoundland.