LCA's Work to Stop the Export in Canada

LCA is mounting pressure on the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, to reject Marineland Canada's request to export 5 Beluga whales to Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT. To date, the Hon. Jordan has not issued the permit and her office has confirmed via email they have requested more information from Marineland.

While LCA appreciates the diligence of Hon. Jordan's office, it reiterates the call to reject the export permit. "These Beluga whales: Sahara, Jetta, Kharabali, Havok and Havana, need our protection. We ask the Minister to exercise her authority to reject Marineland's export permit request; clearly, finally and soon," said Chris DeRose, LCA's Founder and President.

Here are 5 reasons why the Beluga whales should not be exported.

1) Canada has Enacted a Historic Animal Protection Law for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises

In July 2019, Canada passed the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act which aims to phase out cetaceans in captivity.
 
This historic law bans captive breeding, entertainment performances, and puts restrictions on importing and exporting whales from Canada.
 
 2) Exporting the Beluga Whales Would Remove them from the Protections of Canadian Law
 
Exporting the Beluga whales to Mystic Aquarium leaves them vulnerable to captive breeding and entertainment performances when the export permit expires in 5 years.
 
 3) The Transport and Relocation Could Potentially Be Fatal
 
The journey from Marineland to Mystic Aquarium would take a minimum of 10 hours and would be traumatic.  Once in Connecticut, the whales will be forced to recreate new social bonds.  These circumstances are not in the whale’s best interest.
 
 4) The Export Could Set a Dangerous Precedent

 If the export permit is granted, it could leave the other whales living at Marineland vulnerable to be exported to countries with weaker animal protection laws.
 
5) Exporting the Beluga Whales Outside of Canada Would NOT be in Line with the Intention of the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act
 
Exporting them would allow the cycle of captive breeding to perpetuate, making way for new generations of captive whales.

LCA's Work to Stop the Export in the United States

March 2021 - The United States District Court for the District of Connecticut's failed to reject the import permit issued by the NMFS to Mystic Aquarium. LCA plans to appeal the U.S. court decision and will continue to fight to protect the whales and keep them in Canada.