A Whale Sanctuary in Nova Scotia: A Multidisciplinary and Multicultural Effort

A growing body of scientific evidence demonstrates that dolphins and whales (i.e., cetaceans) experience poor welfare when confined to concrete tanks in entertainment parks. Whereas most captive cetaceans cannot survive if released directly into the ocean a viable alternative is to transfer them from tanks to authentic sanctuaries. An authentic cetacean sanctuary is a place that provides a combination of a complex, natural environment continuous with the ocean and human care. Key to wildlife sanctuaries is the promotion of autonomy and giving back as much as one can of what was taken from its residents. In this presentation we describe the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP), the world's first cetacean sanctuary effort for both captive beluga whales and orcas. Founded in 2016, WSP is a non-profit organization representing a groundbreaking collaboration among scientists, engineers, dolphin and whale advocates, legal experts, and many others. Its mission is to create a sanctuary for captive orcas and beluga whales in Canada and aid other cetacean sanctuary efforts globally. The WSP is preparing a 100-acre site on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia to welcome whales in 2025. Herein we describe the sanctuary site, highlight and update some of the milestones and challenges WSP has met over the years as the sanctuary progresses towards completion. We also discuss the importance of local community encouragement and participation for such a project as well as engagement with First Nations, who share the goal of rectifying our relationship with the ocean and the animals who live in it.