The Beluga Whale (Cumberland Sound Population)... a Species at Risk

This population of beluga has been identified as Threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). It is currently being considered for listing under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). Protection is afforded through the federal Fisheries Act. If listed under the SARA, it will be afforded additional protection. Under the SARA, a recovery strategy must be developed for this population.

General Description

Delphinapterus leucas

Illustration by G. Kuehl

Photo credit: J. Klenner, DFO

The Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is a toothed whale and belongs to the family Monodontidae. It derives its name from the Russian belukha, which means white. This whale is also known as white whale in English, qilalugaq in the Inuktitut, Inuvialuktan and Inuinactun dialects, and siqsuaq in the Inupiat dialect. Belugas have the following characteristics and distinguishing features:

• Adults range in total length from 2.6 to 4.5 m and weigh up to 1,900 kg;
• Adult females are about 80% the length of males; newborn calves are about 48% the length of their mothers;
• Adults are pure white in colour; newborns are born a dark grey, sometimes with mottling, and lighten as they mature; and
• Belugas lack a dorsal fin, possibly an adaptation to ice-filled waters of the Arctic.

Distribution

Beluga Whales have a circumpolar distribution, and are found in the Arctic as far as 82oN latitude, in the Pacific sub-Arctic south to 60oN (Alaska), and in the St. Lawrence Estuary as far south as 47oN latitude. A total of 22 possible populations have recently been designated, seven of which are present in Canadian waters during at least part of the year. The Cumberland Sound population aggregates in the Clearwater Fiord area at the head of Cumberland Sound from mid-July to mid-September. The rest of the year they spend in the waters of the main body of Cumberland Sound.

Beluga Whale Distribution: Cumberland Sound Population

Habitat and Life History

The Beluga Whale uses different habitats depending on the season and progression of ice breakup and freeze. Typically, in the late spring, they congregate along ice edges, penetrate leads, and may appear in river estuaries. During the summer, they are found along the coastline and in shallow waters. They also frequent specific river estuaries, which may serve as moulting sites or as shelter from predators. In late summer or early fall, they leave the estuarine areas for deeper waters, possibly to feed intensively. From there, they migrate to offshore winter areas, sometimes over long distances. In late winter to early spring, mating occurs. Very little is known about the breeding behaviour of Beluga Whales. Females become sexually mature between four and seven years of age, males between six and seven years. Gestation takes about 13 to 14.5 months. The lactation period is estimated to be 20 to 32 months. For this population of beluga, the average lifespan is about 10 years, with some individuals reaching 20 or more years.

Diet

Beluga Whales feed on small fish and crustaceans. In Cumberland Sound, they feed mostly on Arctic Cod (Boreogadus saida) and Turbot (Reinhardtius Hippoglossoides). They also eat Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus), shrimp, squid, molluscs and marine worms.

Threats

Beluga Whales are vulnerable to predation by Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) and Killer Whales (Orcinus orca). Their propensity to return to the same estuaries year after year makes them vulnerable to human hunting and disturbance. Threats or potential threats that may be affecting the Cumberland Sound population include noise and disturbance resulting from increased vessel traffic, and competition with commercial fisheries. The current subsistence hunt is carefully managed and appears to be sustainable.

Similar Species

There are no similar species. 

Text Sources: Richard 2001; COSEWIC Status Report 2004.

For more information, visit the SARA Registry Website at www.SARAregistry.gc.ca.