Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) behaviour in the presence of whale-watching vessels

Beluga whales ( Delphinapterus leucas ) are social animals that return to the same estuaries each summer season. The Western Hudson Bay belugas in Churchill River estuary appear be attracted boats, resulting whale-watching being a popular tourism activity for area. However, regulators have raised concerns about whether this has negative consequences on beluga population. We hypothesized more vulnerable groups, such as groups containing calves, would avoid vessels, while juvenile who developed curiosity, likely interact with vessels. To test these hypotheses, behavioural observations were conducted 2019, 2020, and 2021, using similar methodology study 2005 2006. An increase since initial offered unique opportunity compare potential change over time. In study, group of was randomly selected; type, behaviour distance vessel, observed vessel during three-minute focal follows recorded. method also applied from shore we compared frequencies whale experimental (vessels present) control greater than 300m away) periods. Results showed there significant difference mean size presence vessels those absence There well between age class their During spent 63% time interacting when within 25 m an 48% previous 15 years previous. Our results overall differed settings but suggest belugas’ reactions not necessarily deleterious them, direct interactions wildlife low unlikely carry risk, they may habituated last two decades.