The Nova Scotia government has approved plans for construction of North America’s first coastal refuge for whales and dolphins retired from marine theme parks. Here are five things you need to know about the project.

MONEY — Charles Vinick, CEO of the U.S.-based Whale Sanctuary Project , said it will cost about $15 million to build a 40-hectare underwater enclosure near Wine Harbour, N.S., which will hold up to 10 whales. Another $1.5 million will be required for annual operations.

Publicly available financial documents show that as of 2023, the non-profit group had US$1.8 million in revenues, US$1.9 million in expenses and US$1.7 million in cash.

Now that the project can move ahead, Vinick said private fundraising will go into high gear. The group is not seeking government money.

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