The Canadian federal fisheries ministry announced this week it has reached a tentative agreement with Marineland to relocate all 30 beluga whales currently held at the marine park to sanctuaries in Spain or the United States.

The deal resolves a prolonged dispute over the future of the whales that had drawn significant public attention and criticism from animal rights organizations. Marineland had previously indicated it might euthanize the belugas in 2025 if alternative arrangements could not be made.

Under the approved plan, the beluga whales will be transferred to either facilities in Spain or to one of four locations in the United States. The ministry did not immediately specify which facilities would receive the animals or provide a timeline for the relocations.

The agreement effectively ends the practice of keeping whales in captivity in Canada. The resolution comes after years of debate over the welfare of marine mammals in entertainment facilities and growing pressure from advocacy groups calling for the animals' release to more natural environments.

The federal fisheries ministry will oversee the transfer process to ensure the whales' safe relocation to their designated sanctuary facilities.