Beluga Whales: Threats and Need for Protection

By Rosemary Ellis

In the vast, icy expanse of the Arctic seas live the “canaries of the sea”: Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). They are celebrated for their pristine white elegance, profound intelligence, and melodious vocalizations. Their existence, like many species, is under threat, and understanding the challenges they face is the first step towards ensuring their survival.

A Symphony of Nature: Beluga Whales' Natural History

Beluga whales are renowned for their striking appearance. Their blindingly white skin contrasts sharply against the icy blue waters of the Arctic, making them a sight to behold. Unlike most other cetaceans, belugas are born gray and gradually lighten in color as they age, reaching their characteristic white hue at around five years old.

What truly sets beluga whales apart is their exceptional communication skills. They produce a diverse range of sounds, from clicks and whistles to chirps and squeals. These vocalizations play a vital role in their social interactions, echoing through the ocean depths as a symphony of nature. This complex language allows them to maintain intricate social structures within their pods, fostering deep bonds and facilitating cooperative hunting. Their vocalizations can even often be heard above water!

Facing Threats: Why Beluga Whales Need Protection

Beluga whales are facing a myriad of threats that jeopardize their existence. One of the most significant challenges is habitat degradation caused by climate change. As the Arctic ice melts at an alarming rate, they likely will lose crucial feeding and breeding grounds. In the face of rapid climate change and increasing human activity, the annual migration of 57,000 beluga whales from warmer waters to the Arctic is under severe threat. Melting sea ice, a crucial part of their migration pattern, leaves them vulnerable to predators like orcas and can trap them beneath shifting ice, hindering their ability to surface for air.

Although listed as "least concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, several important beluga populations are declining, highlighting the urgent need for climate change mitigation and ecosystem protection. In the United States, the beluga population in the Cook Inlet, off the coast of central Gulf of Alaska, is listed as an endangered species under the US Endangered Species Act. Similarly, the US National Marine Fisheries Service has declared that the population of beluga whales in Russia’s Sea of Okhotsk is considered depleted, at less than 20% of its original number.

Rapid industrialization further intensifies their plight, with increased shipping traffic and oil exploration leading to heightened noise pollution, disrupting their sensitive echolocation abilities. Additionally, pollutants including toxic chemicals, such as mercury, accumulate in their prey, resulting in a buildup of toxins in their bodies. Entanglement in fishing gear and accidental bycatch can lead to injury and death, further exacerbating their declining numbers.

It's estimated that more than 300 belugas are currently held in captivity around the world. As an intelligent and social species, belugas are not suitable for life in confinement. Marineland in Canada, for example, holds at least 35 belugas captive. Belugas are popular in Chinese aquariums, leading to many live captures, impacting wild beluga populations. The three SeaWorld parks and other aquariums in the US keep beluga whales in captivity, but have had challenges trying to breed them in captivity.

Despite the disruptions related to the war in Ukraine, the International Marine Mammal Project (IMMP) has continued to generate international pressure and work with local activists, urging the Russian Duma (Parliament) to ban captures of wild whales and dolphins for the aquarium trade. Russia has been the main global supplier of live wild orcas and beluga whales for captivity. Early in 2023, the Duma finally passed a measure banning all cetacean captures in Russian waters for public display or export, a huge milestone. Unfortunately, there are loopholes in the law, so IMMP will continue to monitor the issue, understanding the added challenges while Russia is locked down over its illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Belugas, known for their vast ocean migrations and intricate social structures, face immense challenges in artificial environments. Confinement can lead to stress, health issues, and an inability to express their natural behaviors. Fortunately, there are efforts underway to establish a seaside sanctuary in Nova Scotia, Canada. Lead by the Whale Sanctuary Project, with the support of IMMP and many other activist organizations, the sanctuary could open as early as 2024 and would be a safe haven for captive belugas, orcas, and cold-water dolphins.

A sanctuary is already in place in Iceland, where two beluga whales were rescued from an aquarium in China. They will have a better life in an expansive and much more natural environment in the ocean, while being provided food and vet care from the staff.

In addition to captivity for entertainment purposes, oddly enough a beluga, dubbed Hvaldimir, is thought to have been used as a spy by Russia. He was first seen wearing a harness linked to the Russian navy. He continues to swim freely along the coast of Norway, but supporters fear for him, as he is very friendly around boats, which might endanger him with propellers and entangling fishing gear.

Hunting also remains a concern for belugas, with Native hunters in the US, Canada, Russia, and Greenland contributing to the pressure on their populations. While recognizing the importance of indigenous practices, strong and enforceable regulations are crucial to ensure sustainable hunting.

Our Role in Beluga Whales' Survival

The need to protect beluga whales is not merely a moral obligation; it is an essential act of preserving our planet's biodiversity and ecological balance. These gentle giants are indicators of the Arctic's health, and by safeguarding their habitats, we ensure the well-being of countless other species within this delicate ecosystem.

We must advocate for policies that mitigate climate change, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable practices. Supporting marine sanctuaries and research initiatives focused on beluga conservation is paramount. Education, too, plays a pivotal role; by raising awareness about the challenges beluga whales face, we can inspire collective action.

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You can play an important role in ending the captivity of cetaceans and the slaughter of whales and dolphins around the globe. Please donate to support beluga whales so they can live free and continue their crucial environmental roles.