Population Estimates of White Whale, Delphinapterus leucas , in James Bay, Eastern Hudson Bay, and Ungava Bay

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• Main Authors: Smith, T. G., Hammill, M. O.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1986
• Subjects: Aquatic Science; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Hudson Bay; Hudson; Ungava Bay; Beluga*; Delphinapterus leucas; White whale; James Bay
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f86-243; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f86-243

Coastal reconnaissance and systematic aerial surveys of white whales, Delphinapterus leucas, were flown in James Bay, eastern Hudson Bay, and Ungava Bay. In Ungava Bay the numbers of belugas are so low that we are unable to derive population estimates. In James Bay, we estimate 1213 whales with 95% confidence limits of 740–1970 individuals. In eastern Hudson Bay our systematic survey estimates 968 whales (650–1430), with an additional 474 whales counted in traditional areas of coastal concentration. The age structure of whales inshore and offshore appears similar. Our estimates are conservative, since they do not include a correction for animals which might have been underwater as we passed. Since belugas continue to be hunted in Ungava Bay and eastern Hudson Bay, recommendations are made for a conservative management strategy which must soon be implemented.