Status of the Beluga, Delphinapterus leucas, in the Beaufort Sea

Abstract

Belugas are found in the Beaufort Sea between May and September and they concentrate in the Mackenzie River estuary from late June to early August. In late summer they are widely distributed in the offshore waters of the eastern Beaufort Sea and Amundsen Gulf. Estimates from offshore aerial survey data indicate that there are over 11,500 whales in the population. Allowing for loss rates, the total annual kill of about 300 from aboriginal hunting appears to fall within the sustainable yield of the population. The potential for increasing hunting activity, increasing levels of industrial activity and the proposed damming of the Liard River all pose potential long-term threats to the stability of the Beluga population. Continued monitoring of the population is therefore warranted.