A Nova Scotia sanctuary, reduced porpoise sightings, and Right whale populations on the rise
Big Blue Bulletin #66
Welcome to the latest edition of the Big Blue Bulletin – things have changed just a little bit around here as featured stories will now focus on whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with a little bit of commentary from me thrown in as well. Still, you can expect good news, bad news, and a cute creature in your inbox every week.
Let’s dive in 🐬
Ocean news
🗞️ Big news of the week -
🇨🇦 Canadian marine park threatens to euthanise 30 beluga whales
Marineland in Ontario has threatened to euthanise 30 beluga whales after the Canadian government blocked its plan to transfer them to a theme park in China. The move was denied over welfare concerns, with officials citing fears the whales would be used for public entertainment in substandard conditions. After a request for federal funding was also rejected, Marineland claimed it may be forced to put the animals down, a warning critics say highlights the urgent need for a long-term solution for animals in captivity. Freedom is off the cards, it seems.
🏴 Experts alarmed by huge drop in porpoise sightings off north Wales coast
Researchers have recorded a dramatic 97% decline in harbour porpoise sightings near Bardsey Island, off the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd despite the area being a protected national nature reserve. The long-running study, led by WDC and the Bardsey Marine Mammal Project, suggests climate change may be shifting fish populations and forcing porpoises to hunt elsewhere. The area has long been a key nursery and feeding ground but now shows worrying signs of ecological change.
💙 Nova Scotia’s would-be whale sanctuary is one step closer to reality
Plans to build North America’s first whale sanctuary have taken a major step forward, with the Nova Scotia government approving a lease for over 80 hectares of land and water on the province’s Eastern Shore. The Whale Sanctuary Project says the decision clears the way for construction and renewed fundraising. Federal permits and the eventual adoption of retired captive whales are still to come, but the group calls it “a great day” for the project and for the whales it hopes to welcome.
🎉 Scientists say North Atlantic right whale population slowly increasing
The North Atlantic right whale, once hunted to near-extinction, has grown to an estimated 384 individuals, up from 376 last year, according to new figures from the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium. The population has increased by more than 7% since 2020, offering cautious hope for one of the world’s rarest whale species. Scientists credit improved protections in Canada and the US for helping to curb deadly ship strikes and fishing gear entanglements, the two biggest threats still facing the species.
Have a great weekend! 📸
Cover image by Noaa via AP.
Great news on the Nova Scotia whale sanctuary!! “Freedom is off the cards” was my exact sentiment for those poor Belugas...wtf? Wishing you a great weekend as well ✌️