The mayor of a remote community in Newfoundland has extended an offer to provide a new home to 30 beluga whales that are currently under the ownership of Marineland Canada. Burgeo Town officials have reached out to federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson with a proposal to establish a sanctuary for the whales within a sheltered cove.
Mayor Trevor Green expressed confidence that the beluga whales could thrive in the waters off the coast of Burgeo. Green emphasized the importance of relocating the whales to a more natural habitat, highlighting the potential for environmental stewardship and innovation in rural Newfoundland.
The beluga whales are currently in the possession of Marineland Canada, which is facing financial challenges and has sought government assistance to prevent the need for euthanizing the animals. Previous plans to send the whales to a theme park in China were thwarted by export permit denials from Minister Thompson.
The proposed sanctuary site is a small saltwater inlet located in an area along the south coast fjords of Newfoundland. The town envisions this location potentially becoming a protected national marine conservation area, subject to ongoing feasibility studies involving Parks Canada, Indigenous groups, and local government authorities. Mayor Green believes that establishing a sanctuary for the belugas would not only enhance the area’s value but also attract global tourism.
While the sanctuary plan is still in its early stages, external support has been offered to cover transport costs. The Atlantic Salmon Federation has shown interest in contributing financially to the initiative. Mayor Green has also engaged with the provincial government, despite its current caretaker status ahead of an upcoming election.
In response to the proposal, Minister Thompson’s press secretary acknowledged receipt of the information and affirmed the government’s willingness to consider viable solutions and review any export requests from Marineland. Mayor Green emphasized the urgency of taking action promptly, underscoring the need to act swiftly on this matter.