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.
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.
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.