Controversial Russian 'spy whale' plan sparks uproar
There are fears Hvaldimir the beluga whale could be recaptured by Russia if he's relocated to waters close to Norway's border.
A plan to relocate a Russian spy whale to waters close to where he escaped has sparked an international uproar. In an open letter to Norway's government seen by Yahoo News, more than 70 experts from 17 countries warn the controversial idea puts the beluga's future in danger.
They fear Hvaldimir could be recaptured by Russia if he’s taken to Finnmark in the country’s north. Because he's highly habituated to humans but not other whales, they believe he could end up back in the military.
When Hvaldimir first appeared in Norwegian waters in 2019 wearing a harness reading ‘‘equipment of St Petersburg", experts had been worried he’d struggle to feed himself and negotiate fast moving boats. But he’s defied the odds.
However two years later, the whale was famous and faced a whole new problem. He was regularly taunted by curious tourists, leading to a concern that his safety was at risk. He was even struck several times by motor boats causing serious injuries.
And this led One Whale, a group formed to protect Hvaldimir’s interests, to create a plan to move him elsewhere and apply a tracking beacon so he can be monitored.
Is Hvaldimir in danger?
Those who have put their name to the open letter opposing the plan believe Hvaldimir has now adjusted to his new home around Norway’s southern waters. And they argue our current scientific understanding of whales does not support the translocation plan.
But One Whale’s director Regina Crosby believes Hvaldimir was brought to Norway against his will. She claims there are still ongoing dangers, including from salmon farmers, some of whom have been annoyed by his presence near their operations. Noting that Norway killed Freya, a popular walrus, in 2022, after she sank several boats. Crosby worries authorities could euthanise him if he is seen to pose a danger to humans or industry.
A plan developed by One Whale, animal rights group NOAH and Norway's Directorate of Fisheries and Ocean Institute is to introduce the solitary beluga to other members of his species. “It’s sad that people are pushing really hard to prevent this whale from joining other whales. He's gonna live another 50 years. So it's kind of shocking,” she told Yahoo News.
Crosby argues because she's on the ground, she has insights into Hvaldimir that international observers lack. “There's no question he should be moved — there's a reason why the government is doing it. There's animal welfare reasons, and there's public safety reasons,” she said.
High profile conservationists urge rethink of whale plan
Among those who have put their names to the open letter opposing the One Whale relocation plan are high-profile ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau and environmentalist Dr Jane Goodall. Former One Whale board members like orca expert Dr Ingrid Visser have also signed the document.
They argue Hvaldimir has adapted to living in proximity to humans and boats. “He now seems to effectively avoid significant injuries. This indicates a high level of adaptation and suggests that the current environment is conducive to his survival and well-being,” the letter states.
Speaking with Yahoo News, Visser elaborated on this point, “If it ain't broken, don't fix it”.
“While clearly there are some issues for Hvaldimir where he is thriving at the moment. He’s been there for 11 months without any major injuries,” she added.
Hvaldimir is seen almost daily as he often swims through areas popular with fishing and tourism. But if he’s relocated to Finnmark, Visser believes it will be impossible to monitor him.
Hvladimir 'chose' Norway
As Russia continues to fight a war with Ukraine, many experts believe having a military trained whale would be of high value. Others are concerned he could easily be recaptured and be forced to live in an aquarium.
Sebastian Strand was also a One Whale member, but he now runs an opposing non-profit Marine Mind which advocates for Hvladimir. His organisation monitors the beluga full time providing regular updates about the animal's welfare. And its this group that is behind the open letter, arguing that it is safe for it to remain.
“Hvaldimir has against the odds forged a successful life for himself, and work is being done to facilitate that. But we fear the consequences of transport and the uncertain events that would occur,” he told Yahoo from Norway.
“The whale has a good body condition and does not display signs of mental anguish, so perhaps it is best to let him live his life. He chose Norway.”
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