NOAA Approves Emergency U.S. Import Of 28 Marineland Beluga Whales
NOAA issued an emergency authorization in July 2026 to allow the import of 28 beluga whales from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, into U.S. aquariums.[1]
Most of the whales are slated to go to SeaWorld parks in San Antonio and San Diego, the Georgia Aquarium and the Shedd Aquarium, while two are planned for Oceanografic Valencia in Spain pending permits.[1] Marineland closed to the public in 2024 and has said it lacks resources to care for the belugas, warning it might have to euthanize some without relocation or new funding.[1]
Canada's Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson approved a conditional proposal in January 2026 to move the whales, and she said on July 8 that final export authorization would follow veterinary health checks.[1] Canadian Press reporting cited in coverage says 20 whales have died at Marineland since 2019.[1]
Federal officials and aquarium partners say the emergency import is meant to prevent further deaths while health inspections and export paperwork are completed.[1] Timing and transport plans will hinge on the veterinary checks and on permits for the two animals destined for Spain, officials said.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- In July 2026 NOAA issued an emergency authorization to import 28 beluga whales from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to U.S. aquariums.
- The whales are slated for SeaWorld San Antonio and San Diego, Georgia Aquarium, and Shedd Aquarium, while two others are planned for Oceanografic Valencia in Spain pending permits.
- Canada's Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson approved a conditional proposal to move the whales in January 2026 and said on July 8 that final export authorization will follow veterinary health checks.
- Marineland closed to the public in 2024, has said it lacks resources to care for the belugas, and warned it might have to euthanize them without relocation or additional funding.
- Canadian Press reporting cited in the article says 20 whales have died at Marineland since 2019.
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