Canada has passed a bill banning the capture and breeding of whales, dolphins and porpoises for entertainment, after a lengthy campaign by animal rights activists. 

The legislation, dubbed the "Free Willy bill" after the American children’s film, was first proposed in 2015 and was finally approved by the House of Commons on Monday. 

It places restrictions on importing and exporting cetaceans, and bans making them perform for entertainment, with fines of up to $200,000 (£118,160) for breaches.

The legislation contains a grandfather clause, meaning marine mammals currently held captive can stay confined but cannot continue breeding.

The law will contain exceptions for marine mammals who require rehabilitation following an injury, or for scientific research.

Orca whales, dolphins and other cetaceans have been popular attractions at marine parks for decades, but concerns about their treatment has grown in recent years. 

The debate took on new heights in the wake of a 2013 documentary called "Blackfish" which examined the life of a male orca involved in the deaths of three people. 

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The documentary detailed the psychological harm whales endure after being captured in the wild and being held in captivity. It was watched by more than 60 million people. 

The ensuing backlash prompted the theme park SeaWorld to suspend its breeding programme in 2016 and agree to phase out the use of orcas at its parks.

Last year, British tour operator Thomas Cook announced it would stop selling trips to animals parks that keep captive killer whales.

Monday’s bill most notably affects Marineland in Niagara Falls, which has around 55 beluga whales, five bottle-nose dolphins and one orca, and has staunchly opposed the legislation. 

The only other facility in Canada with cetaceans in captivity is the Vancouver Aquarium, which announced in January that it was ending the practice of holding the animals in captivity and is thought to have just one dolphin left. 

In a statement to local media, Marineland said it complies with "all aspects" of the bill and "will continue to provide world-class care to all of its animals".

Melissa Matlow, campaign director for World Animal Protection Canada, said: "This is such an important law because it bans breeding, making sure the whales and dolphins currently kept in tiny tanks in Canada are the last generation to suffer".