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Nova Scotia finalist for potential site of world’s first whale sanctuary

An artist's rendering of a planned whale sanctuary, which could be located in Nova Scotia or Washington state, shown in a handout. The Canadian Press/HO- Whale Sanctuary Project

An undisclosed spot somewhere off Nova Scotia has been shortlisted as a potential site for the world’s first seaside sanctuary for whales and dolphins born in captivity.

The pioneering effort started two years ago when the U.S.-based Whale Sanctuary Project announced it was looking at 100 possible sites across North America.

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Lori Marino, president of the non-profit group, confirmed this week that the list has been narrowed to two locations: Nova Scotia and Washington state – with a couple sites in British Columbia as backup choices.

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She says public attitudes have changed toward whales and dolphins being forced to perform at marine parks and aquariums.

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Renowned marine biologist Hal Whitehead, a professor at Dalhousie University in Halifax who specializes in the study of whales, says he supports the project.

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Marino says her group plans to make a decision before the end of the year, and the goal is to have the large sanctuary operating by 2020.

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