The Nova Scotia government has granted approval for a lease covering over 80 hectares of land and water on the Eastern Shore of the province to a group aiming to establish North America’s inaugural whale sanctuary. The Whale Sanctuary Project, a U.S.-based non-profit, expressed gratitude for the long-awaited approval, signaling a green light to move forward with construction and fundraising efforts to finalize the initiative.
The lease approval, which had faced delays for more than three years, is seen as a significant milestone for the project. The group acknowledged the support extended by the Nova Scotia government and the Minister of Natural Resources, hailing it as a momentous occasion for both the sanctuary and the well-being of whales. The consensus necessary for the lease had been a challenge, particularly due to some landowners in the Port Hilford, N.S., region initially withholding consent. However, the recent decision appears to have resolved this hurdle.
Premier Tim Houston acknowledged the complexities of achieving full consensus on all matters but emphasized the substantial community backing for the sanctuary project. The order-in-council, endorsing the department to proceed with granting the Crown land lease, stemmed from a recommendation by former Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton, who was reassigned from his cabinet post.
While the lease awaits finalization details such as pricing and property boundaries, the news has elicited positive reactions from supporters, including Animal Justice and the St. Mary’s River Association. The sanctuary initiative, conceptualized five years ago by the Whale Sanctuary Project in Guysborough County, N.S., aims to provide retirement care for eight to ten marine mammals transitioning from parks and aquariums.
CEO Charles Vinick acknowledged the significance of the lease approval but highlighted the substantial work remaining ahead. The group plans to acquire an additional 12 hectares of adjacent private land and undertake various infrastructure developments, including pier refurbishment and building constructions. To complete the project, an estimated $15 million US in additional funding is required, primarily sourced from private donors who have already pledged substantial contributions.
The Whale Sanctuary Project’s vision also extends to potentially accommodating belugas from Marineland, Ontario, notwithstanding the park’s concerns over historical contamination issues. The organization remains optimistic about the prospects of relocating some of Marineland’s belugas to Nova Scotia, contingent upon collaborative efforts from various stakeholders.
In addition to financial considerations and securing whale commitments, the project must navigate approval processes from federal Fisheries and Transport departments. Addressing local concerns regarding water access limitations and tourism impacts, Vinick emphasized the project’s commitment to community feedback, including adjustments to the site’s layout and public access restrictions.
As the initiative progresses, the Whale Sanctuary Project remains focused on its mission to establish a sanctuary conducive to marine mammal welfare while fostering a harmonious relationship with nature.
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