The current operation of the release of beluga whales was completed in the Primorsky Krai last Sunday. According to the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources, the last batch of these animals was returned to its natural habitat in Uspeniya Bay near the Lazovsky Reserve in the Primorsky Krai. In total, 87 whales were released into the sea.
Scientists note that currently the feeding area in the Uspeniya Bay is much better than in the Sakhalin Gulf, which is why the area is preferable for the release of animals in the natural environment.
On Friday, experts released a batch of 19 beluga whales from the "Professor Kaganovsky" research vessel. At the same time, 13 whales were loaded onto the «Zodiac» vessel. After returning to Sredniaya bay, «Professor Kaganovsky» embarked the last 18 belugas. Both groups of mammals were released simultaneously on Sunday.
The scandal with an attempt to sell killer whales and 90 belugas to Chinese aquariums began in 2018. Then the prosecutor's office of the Russian Federation started investigation into the illegal catch of cetaceans. The animal transfer unit, in which the animals were located, was called "whale prison" because of small cells and poor conditions. Belugas were not released from there under the pretext that it was dangerous to let the animals go free because of the risk of death. Young beluga whales did not have survival skills in the natural environment, and Srednyaya Bay couldn't provide a sufficient feeding area.
During the transportation, the animals were calm, they were observed by scientists, veterinarians and experienced trainers. Scientists installed satellite trackers for 3 large individuals which will allow the researchers to monitor the animals’ behaviour in the wild.
Thus, all animals whose release began in June 2019 are returned to their natural habitat.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the ministries together with scientists to free the animals.
The Frunze District Court of Vladivostok found the «White Whale», «Oceanarium-DV» and «Sochi Dolphinarium» companies guilty of violating fishing rules and imposed fines of 28 to 56 million rubles.
The bill received proposals from regions, the Presidential Administration, the Security Council, federal agencies, public organizations, and nearly 1,500 citizen appeals.
The forum, which brought together experts from a wide range of industries, hosted approximately 50 business events across three thematic areas: economics and investment, architecture and integrated territorial development, and tourism and hospitality.
This collaboration reflects a broader shift toward discovery-led destination development, bringing together Klook's data and digital infrastructure with OCTB's on-the-ground expertise to shape how travelers experience Osaka beyond its city center.
France has once again cemented its position as the world’s most visited destination, welcoming 102 million international tourists in 2025 – up from 100 million in 2024 – while posting a sharp 9% jump in tourism revenues.
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