N.S. Whale Sanctuary Project

under construction

The Whale Sanctuary Project is a proposed coastal refuge in Nova Scotia intended to provide a sanctuary for retired captive killer whales. The project involves building a 40-hectare underwater enclosure with a large sea pen and floating nets, capable of holding up to 10 whales. The site is located near Wine Harbour, about 200 kilometres east of Halifax. The project has received a 20-year lease approval from the Nova Scotia government for 83 hectares of Crown lands and coastal waters. Construction has begun with land clearing, and the sea pen is expected to be completed by the second half of 2026. The project requires transfer permits from the federal Fisheries Department and fundraising to cover the $15 million construction cost and $1.5 million in annual operating expenses.