Illustration of Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary. Image Credit: Whale Sanctuary Project
Illustration of Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary. Image Credit: Whale Sanctuary Project

Breaking News: Government Clears Path Forward for Nova Scotia Sanctuary

Topics: belugas, Captivity Industry, Dolphin and Whale Trade, Orcas, Sanctuaries

From The Whale Sanctuary Project

The International Marine Mammal Project (IMMP) is a strong supporter of the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP). David Phillips, IMMP Executive Director, serves on the Board of Directors of the WSP. The Project has worked for several years, conducting studies on the location and meeting various requirements for establishing the sanctuary in Nova Scotia. Now, with the Canadian government's approval, completion of the sanctuary is expected to follow. Suitable for orcas and/or beluga whales, the sanctuary will help retire captive animals now languishing in captivity.

The Nova Scotia government has today issued an Order in Council, confirming the report and recommendation of the Minister of Natural Resources, to issue the lease to the Whale Sanctuary Project for the Crown lands comprising the Whale Sanctuary for a term of 20 years with an option to renew for a further 20-year term.

Here is the full text of the Order in Council, which you can also view here:

October 21, 2025

The Governor in Council on the report and recommendation of the Minister of Natural Resources dated October 10, 2025, and pursuant to clause 16(1)(a) of Chapter 114 of the Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1989, the Crown Lands Act, is pleased to approve the Minister of Natural Resources:

(a) issuing a lease to The Whale Sanctuary Project, an extra-provincial corporation incorporated in the United States with an office in Sherbrooke, Guysborough County, or its successors, trustees or permitted assigns, for submerged and terrestrial Crown lands containing approximately 83.32 hectares (205.89 acres), as shown outlined in bold line on the plan marked Schedule “A” attached to and forming part of the Report and Recommendation, for the purpose of operating and maintaining a seaside sanctuary, including all related infrastructure, for a term of 20 years, with an option to renew for a further 20-year term; and

(b) executing such documents as may be necessary to achieve the purposes of this Order.

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The government's Order in Council means that the Whale Sanctuary Project now has a clear path to begin construction and to raise the capital funds to complete the sanctuary and welcome the first whales.

We are grateful to the Nova Scotia government and the Minister of Natural Resources. This is a great day for the Whale Sanctuary and for the whales. We look forward to pressing ahead in every way to establish the whale sanctuary.

Over the coming days we will update you on the three primary aspects of our work going forward:

* The whales who are prospects for coming to the Nova Scotia sanctuary;

* Recent progress at the sanctuary and how you can support the capital costs of construction; health and behavior evaluations and medical care of the whales at their present locations; transportation and introduction to their new home; and their continuing care at the sanctuary.

* How the growing collaboration among non-profit organizations, marine parks and aquariums, and governments at all levels is paving the way for a global effort to bring an end to the captivity of whales and dolphins and to retire them to sanctuary.

We greatly appreciate your support of the Whale Sanctuary Project. Your donation, large or small, is the key to completing this work and welcoming the first whales. Please contribute what you can and encourage others to do the same.