Skip to main content
The Whale Sanctuary Project | Back to Nature
  • About
  • The Sanctuary
  • Whale Aid
  • The Whales
  • Deeper Dive
  • Blog
  • Events

Donate  Subscribe

  • About
  • The Sanctuary
  • Whale Aid
  • The Whales
  • Deeper Dive
  • Blog
  • Events

Plan to Immediately Release Orcas in Srednyaya Bay Should Not Be Adopted

Posted May 16, 2019 in For the Media, News by Whale Sanctuary Project

A new plan, announced by Russian authorities on May 15th, calls for the 10 orcas being held at the “whale jail” in Russia to be released directly into the open ocean adjacent to their sea pens by late May/early June. (It does not apply to the 87 belugas.)

The following press release states that we do not support such a plan for the orcas and could not participate in it. Instead, we call on the government to adopt the comprehensive rehabilitation and re-adaptation plan for the orcas and belugas, which offers the best chances for their successful re-introduction to life in the wild.

A .pdf copy of this press release, in Russian and English, can be accessed here.


Press Release
May 17, 2019

Jean-Michel Cousteau Urges Government of Russian Federation to Reconsider Plan for Release of Orcas Held in Srednyaya Bay

The Jean-Michel Cousteau/Whale Sanctuary Project international team calls on the Russian authorities to re-evaluate the plan to release the orcas in Srednyaya Bay.

The plan announced on Wednesday May 15, 2019, to release the 10 orcas from the holding facility directly into Srednyaya Bay by late May/early June does not take into account the recommendations of our international team of marine mammal specialists, nor does it comply with the optimal release option agreed to by the Working Group of the VNIRO Consilium for adaptation/re-adaptation of orcas and belugas that met on May 14.

“It puts the well-being of these orcas at undue risk and compromises their long-term survival,” Cousteau said. “We cannot support or participate in this plan.”

The most important consideration in the release plan should be the well-being of the orcas and belugas and their long-term survival. The plan must provide for their highest likelihood for successful social reintegration and the highest likelihood of matching the animals with the best habitat for foraging. Returning these orcas and belugas to locations near where they were captured most effectively meets these objectives.

Releasing the orcas in Srednyaya Bay as suggested during a briefing held at the Ministry of Natural Resources on May 15 meets none of these success criteria. And, if done in the short timeline outlined, the plan does not allow sufficient time to re-condition the orcas’ behavior from captivity for life in the wild. Among the risks of this release plan are that the orcas:

1. Will not have proper diagnostics and treatment of the skin lesions they currently exhibit;

2. May introduce invasive pathogens to the environment;

3. Will return to the Srednyaya facility for food;

4. Will become a nuisance to local boaters, fishermen and the public by stealing fish from and getting caught in nets, begging for food, and approaching boats;

5. Will be unsuccessful in re-adapting to the open ocean and may not survive.

A comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation and re-adaptation of the orcas and belugas offers their best chances for successful re-introduction to life in the wild and will address the risks listed above. To maximize opportunities for successful release, the orcas must go through a full rehabilitation plan that includes sufficient time for:

  • Complete health assessments and diagnostic tests of each animal, including sampling to identify pathogens and comprehensive morphometrics;
  • Treatment of all treatable conditions – such as skin fungal and bacterial infections;
  • Improvement of the physical conditioning of the orcas by increasing their pen size to enable better opportunity for exercise;
  • Strengthening existing family groupings of orcas by reconfiguring the orcas into pens based on associations in capture records;
  • Minimizing human contact by:
    – Disassociating food from people by deploying remote feeding devices and feeding varying amounts (whilst ensuring that the full ‘food base’ for each animal is given) and varying the times of deployment. These modifications all begin to simulate the animals’ natural rhythms and help stimulate the animals’ cognitive abilities;
    – Discontinuing any training and human interaction beyond what is medically necessary for evaluation, treatment and appropriate rehabilitation;
  • Decreasing surface-oriented behavior by increased underwater stimulus using enriching natural sources of stimulus, such as seaweed, water flow, bubbles, etc.;
  • Final health assessment on all animals prior to release into the wild, to mitigate the potential for the orcas and belugas currently held in Srednyaya Bay to introduce pathogens to the wild population.

Although this rehabilitation program cannot be accomplished in the limited time-frame outlined in the May 15 briefing, it can be initiated immediately while, simultaneously, plans can be made to return these orcas and belugas to locations near where they were captured, where there are associated orcas and belugas, and where there are appropriate and available food sources. We believe that a responsible and thorough release plan can be implemented for both orcas and belugas prior to winter.

Cousteau said his team remains committed to providing expertise and assistance to facilitate a responsible rehabilitation and release program, and to help mobilize international resources should such assistance be needed.

“I believe Russians and people throughout the world will support such a plan,” Cousteau said. “But we cannot support or participate in a release plan that jeopardizes the health, welfare and survivability of these animals.”

####

Press contacts:

English language:
Charles Vinick
cvinick@mac.com
+1-805-252-5421 (WhatsApp)

Russian language:
Grigory Tsidulko
gtsidulko@gmail.com
+7-910-441-9841 (WhatsApp)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Whale Aid Russia

How the Whale Sanctuary Project worked with the Russian government and Russian animal protection groups to return to the ocean 10 orcas and 87 beluga whales who had been captured illegally for sale to marine entertainment parks in China. Whale Aid Russia

This is the story of the biggest whale rescue in history – of the Whale Sanctuary Project’s work with the Russian government and Russian animal protection groups to return to the ocean 10 orcas and 87 beluga whales who had been captured illegally.Read more

The Whale Jail Is No More!

The last group of beluga whales from the “whale jail” in Russia have been returned to the ocean. The notorious sea pens that housed 10 orcas and 87 beluga whales who had been captured for sale to marine parks in China are now closed.Read more

Statement on Russia’s Efforts to Release All Whales from “Whale Jail”

The Whale Sanctuary Project has issued the following statement regarding the continuing efforts to return to the ocean all the beluga whales still housed at the “whale jail” on Russia’s Far East coast.Read more

All 10 Orcas from the Whale Jail Have Now Been Returned to the Ocean

This week marked the completion of the return of the 10 orcas from the “whale jail” in Russia to the Sea of Okhotsk, from where they were captured last year. This is exceptional progress, and so many of you have made this possible through your participation and support of our Whale Aid Russia program.Read more

Third Group of Orcas Released from Whale Jail

Russian authorities have begun the transport and release of a third group of orcas from the “whale jail.” In response to criticism of the lack of transparency, the government has invited Greenpeace Russia to observe much of this third release. And Greenpeace has asked the Whale Sanctuary Project to provide recommendations on how to conduct its mission most effectively. Read more

Release of First Orcas and Belugas from “Whale Jail” Raises Growing Concerns

Serious questions are being raised about the care of the orcas and beluga whales who are being returned to the ocean from the “whale jail” in Russia. What appears to have been missing is the kind of detailed contingency planning that’s key to a successful release.Read more

Jean-Michel Cousteau and Whale Sanctuary Project Team on Returning Whales to Ocean

Russia has begun the process of returning the whales that were illegally captured last year back to the area where they were captured. Jean-Michel Cousteau and The Whale Sanctuary Project urge the Russian government to include international specialists and Russian observers.Read more

Russia Begins Transport of Whales for Return to the Ocean

Russia has begun the process of returning to ocean waters the 10 orcas and 87 beluga whales who were captured last year and have been living in what has become known as the “whale jail” in the country’s Far East. The government also announced a ban on capturing whales for use as entertainment.Read more

Russian Ministry Presses for Summer Release of Captive Whales

Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources & the Environment says plans are now moving ahead to return the captive orcas and beluga whales being held at the “whale jail” in Srednyaya Bay to the ocean.Read more

Whale Aid Russia Begins Stage Two

We have completed the first stage of our work on behalf of the 10 orcas and 87 beluga whales who were captured in Russian waters last July for sale to marine entertainment parks in China. And we have now moved to the next stage: How the rehabilitation and release of the whales will be implemented.Read more

Plan to Immediately Release Orcas in Srednyaya Bay Should Not Be Adopted

The Jean-Michel Cousteau / Whale Sanctuary Project team does not support the new plan, announced by Russian authorities on May 15th, for the 10 orcas being held at the “whale jail” in Russia to be released directly into the open ocean adjacent to their sea pens. The comprehensive rehabilitation and re-adaptation plan for the orcas and belugas offers the best chances for successful re-introduction to life in the wild.Read more

Recommendations for Release of Orcas and Belugas from Srednyaya Bay

The Russian government is currently assessing recommendations for rehab and release of the 97 orcas and beluga whales who were captured last year in Russian waters and are being held in sea pens in Srednyaya Bay. This press release highlights the observations and recommendations of the Jean-Michel Cousteau/Whale Sanctuary Project team.Read more

Russian Consilium Mirrors Assessment of Whale Sanctuary Team

Announcement from Russian institute VNIRO mirrors assessment of Whale Sanctuary Project team that all orcas and belugas in captivity at Srednyaya Bay can be rehabilitated and returned to ocean waters.Read more

Report on Orcas and Belugas Held in Srednyaya Bay

Executive summary of the report to the Russian Government regarding the 10 orcas and 87 belugas being held in sea pens in Srednyaya Bay. Prepared by the Jean-Michel Cousteau/Whale Sanctuary Project Team.Read more

Russian Governor Signs Agreement to Free Captive Whales

The Russian government has affirmed that the 10 orcas and 87 beluga whales being held captive at the “whale jail” in Srednyaya Bay will be returned to the ocean.Read more

Whale Jail: From Global Outcry to International Cooperation

What began as a global outcry has evolved into a work of international cooperation. Yesterday, in Moscow, people of many nationalities gathered at the Ministry of Natural Resources to begin a long-term effort to return 97 illegally-captured orcas and beluga whales to the ocean.Read more

Whale Aid – Russia: News Release

The Whale Sanctuary Project issued the following news release this morning: WHALE AID – RUSSIA! Russia invites Whale Sanctuary Project to visit illegal “whale jail”... View ArticleRead more

Russia Invites Whale Sanctuary Project to Visit Whale Jail

The Russian government has invited the Whale Sanctuary Project to visit the illegal “whale jail” on Russia’s Far East coast, where 10 orcas and 87 beluga whales are confined in appalling conditions, and to help and advise the government on their future.Read more

Russia Issues Formal Invitation to Visit “Whale Jail”

The Whale Sanctuary Project has brought together a team of experts, led by oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau, to visit the notorious “whale jail" on Russia’s Far East coast and to advise the government on their health and how they can be returned to the open ocean.Read more

Expert Team Prepares to Visit Notorious “Whale Jail”

The Whale Sanctuary Project is organizing a team of experts from non-profits and other NGO’s to go to Srednyaya Bay in Primorsky Region on the Far East coast of Russia and assess the condition of the 10 orca and 87 beluga whales being held there in the notorious "whale jail."Read more

The Whale Jail in Srednyaya Bay

The Whale Sanctuary Project is organizing a team of experts to go to Russia and assess the condition of 10 orca and 87 beluga whales being held in small pens there. Here is some background.Read more

Jean-Michel Cousteau Pens a Letter to President Putin

The four signatories spearheaded the return of the orca Keiko to his home waters in the 1990s. They offer the Russian government and the Russian scientific community their expertise and help in restoring the orcas and beluga whales, now being held in sea pens in Srednyaya Bay, to their home pods.Read more

34 Marine Mammal Biologists Urge Release of Whales

Donate now to help the whales A group of prominent marine mammal scientists from around the world has written a letter to Russian President Vladimir... View ArticleRead more

Global Citizens Urge Release of “Whale Jail” Orcas & Belugas

A group of prominent global citizens signed a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin encouraging the government to release 10 orcas and 80+ beluga whales now kept in inadequate sea pens in the “Whale Jail” in Srednyaya Bay, near the east coast city of Nakhodka.Read more

Whale Aid Russia

How the Whale Sanctuary Project worked with the Russian government and Russian animal protection groups to return to the ocean 10 orcas and 87 beluga whales who had been captured illegally for sale to marine entertainment parks in China.

Whale Aid Russia – the whole story
The story to date, told in words, photos and video, updated regularly.

Individual posts starting with most recent:

The Whale Jail Is No More
The last group of beluga whales have been returned to the ocean. The notorious sea pens that housed 10 orcas and 87 beluga whales are now closed.

All 10 Orcas from the Whale Jail Have Now Been Returned to the Ocean
This is exceptional progress, and while the releases have not all gone perfectly, the process overall has been successful.

Third Group of Orcas Released from Whale Jail
Transport of the third group of orcas from the “whale jail” back to the ocean has now begun.

Release of First Orcas and Belugas from Whale Jail Raises Concerns
Serious questions are being raised about the care of the orcas and beluga whales who are being returned to the ocean from the “whale jail” in Russia.

Jean-Michel Cousteau and Whale Sanctuary Project Team on Returning Whales to Ocean
A release of this scale – 10 orcas and 87 belugas – has never been done before. Words of encouragement … and caution.

Russia Begins Transport of Whales for Return to the Ocean
The government also announced a ban on capturing whales for use as entertainment.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Asks Putin to Make Final Decision
Requests that the President order the release of all orcas and belugas in the areas where they were captured.

Russian Ministry Presses for Summer Release of Captive Whales
Plans are now moving ahead to return the captive orcas and beluga whales to the ocean.

Whale Aid Russia Begins Stage Two
We have now moved to the next stage: How the rehabilitation and release of the whales will be implemented.

Plan to Immediately Release Orcas in Srednyaya Bay Should Not Be Adopted
Press release: We do not support a plan calling for release, within a month, of the 10 orcas into the ocean adjacent to their sea pens.

Recommendations for Release of Orcas and Belugas from Srednyaya Bay
Press release highlighting observations and recommendations from our Jean-Michel Cousteau/Whale Sanctuary Project team.

Russian Consilium Mirrors Assessment of Whale Sanctuary Team
“The general recommendation of the scientists now is that the whales should be released around the same location where they were captured.”

Our Report to the Russian Government
Executive summary of our assessment and recommendations.

From the Sea of Okhotsk
The story of two belugas who were captured in Russian waters and shipped to Marineland Canada.

Governor Signs Agreement to Free Captive Whales
Working together toward rehab and return to the ocean, rather than letting them be sold to entertainment facilities in China.

Russia Invites Whale Sanctuary Project to Visit Whale Jail
An overview of the orcas and beluga whales suffering in sea pens at the “whale jail.”

Video of Press Conference in Moscow:
Charles Vinick and Jean-Michel Cousteau describe some of what will be involved in rehab and return of the whales.

Russia Issues Formal Invitation to Visit Whale Jail
Our team of experts, led by Jean-Michel Cousteau, will be traveling to the notorious “whale jail” on April 3rd.

Expert Team Prepares to Visit Whale Jail
Whale Sanctuary Project assembles team to assess the orcas and belugas, and to advise the Russian government.

The Whale Jail in Srednyaya Bay
Background and history of the capture, and the condition of the whales today.

Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Letter to President Putin
These experts spearheaded the return of the orca Keiko to his home waters in the 1990s.

Letter from 34 Marine Mammal Biologists
A request for an international team of experts to evaluate and treat the whales.

Global Citizens Urge Return of the Whales
Letter from Queen Noor of Jordan, Jane Goodall, Pamela Anderson, and business leaders, actors and musicians.

 

 

Also on the Blog

  • Canada Bans Captivity of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises
  • Orca Brains and Intelligence
  • A Deep Dive into Environmental Analysis
  • TEDx Talk “Whales Without Walls” by Charles Vinick
  • Whale Aid Russia

Live Series of Webinars

What is an authentic sanctuary?
Latest discoveries about beluga whale societies
The psychology of captivity.
Free Willy and the legacy of Keiko.
… and many more.

A series of engaging conversations >

Join Us

Subscribe for Latest News

Make a donation

Get email updates

Subscribe

Follow Us

Help create the sanctuary

Make a donation
  • Privacy Policy |
  • Terms and Conditions of Use |
  • Contact Us |
  • UX Design by Dialogue Theory

© 2023 The Whale Sanctuary Project. All Rights Reserved.