The concept of a sea sanctuary would be a netted sea enclosure, created for captive orcas or other once captive cetaceans to retire and live in as close to natural environments as possible while continuing to be taken care of by humans. Had Tokitae lived, she would have been moved to a state of the art enclosure or sanctuary in the Salish Sea and would have remained under human care. Keiko of the Free Willy fame who passed away in 2003 lived in a netted sea pen in Iceland from 1998 to 2002.

Depending on the sanctuary, it may:

  • Protect coral reefs, kelp forests, mangroves, or deep-sea habitats
  • Limit or ban fishing, drilling, mining, or dumping
  • Regulate tourism and boating to avoid damage
  • Support scientific research and education

Why sea sanctuaries matter

They help to:

  • Preserve biodiversity
  • Protect endangered species
  • Allow fish populations to recover and spill over into nearby areas
  • Keep oceans healthier and more resilient to climate change

Important nuance

Not all sea sanctuaries are the same:

  • Some are no-take zones (nothing can be removed)
  • Others allow limited, sustainable activities
  • Rules vary by country and by site