Marineland Beluga Export Denied: What Happens Next for Canada’s Captive Whales

Marineland Beluga exports have been denied by Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans, igniting national debate over animal welfare, legality, and ethics. In this episode, Andrew Lewin breaks down what the 2019 law banning cetacean captivity means, why DFO refused Marineland’s permit to sell 30 belugas to China, and what options exist for the facility and the animals now caught in limbo.

Marineland Beluga care has become an urgent issue as the park claims it cannot afford to maintain the whales, warning of potential euthanasia without government help. Andrew explores whether Marineland should be required to care for the animals it profited from, or whether public intervention is necessary to ensure the whales’ welfare. This episode blends law, compassion, and marine science to uncover what ethical responsibility looks like when conservation meets crisis.

Shark Docs: https://www.sharkdocs.org/
Chris Malinowski's Website: https://www.chrismalinowski.org/
Brendan Talwar's Website: https://talwarbrendan.wixsite.com/btalwar

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Marineland Beluga controversy begins
01:15 – Why DFO denied Marineland’s export permit
03:20 – The 2019 law ending cetacean captivity
05:05 – Marineland’s financial struggles and welfare claims
07:10 – The ethical dilemma: care, funding, or euthanasia
09:00 – What options remain under federal and provincial law
11:05 – Andrew’s reflections on responsibility and ocean ethics
13:20 – Closing thoughts: compassion and accountability in conservation

#oceanconservation #MarineBiology #SaveOurOceans #ProtectTheOcean #OceanAwareness #BluePlanet #ConservationMatters #ScienceForChange #SustainableOceans
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