Cold-water cetaceans like orca whales would roam freely in a proposed whale sanctuary.

Cold-water cetaceans like orca whales would roam freely in a proposed whale sanctuary.
Photo Credit: Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

Non-profit scouts Canadian coasts for whale sanctuary

A non-profit organization has explored the coast of Nova Scotia in eastern Canada to find a suitable site for a sanctuary for whales, porpoises and dolphins. The Whale Sanctuary Project is looking for a site about the size of 40 large sports fields which it would enclose with nets.

The plan is to create a home for cetaceans which are retired from aquariums, are ill or have been injured and are unable to return to the wild. The project is estimated to cost $15 million.

Other areas under consideration are off the U.S. states of Maine on the Atlantic side and Washington on the Pacific, as well as the western Canadian province of British Columbia.

Many experts advising

The group includes scientists, engineers, lawyers, business experts and marine animal advocates. It says it is consulting with government fisheries officials, indigenous peoples and other interested community groups to gain approval.

The group’s director told Canadian Press the aim is to teach people that cetaceans are wild animals and not simply objects for human entertainment.

Categories: Environment & Animal Life, Society
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