Group characteristics and spatial organization of the Eastern Beaufort Sea beluga whale (<i>Delphinapterus leucas</i>) population using aerial photographs

While it is known that beluga whales ( Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas, 1776)) are social animals, sociality within populations remains complex and poorly understood. Using aerial photographs taken in mid-July early August 2019, we examined group characteristics spatial organization of the Eastern Beaufort Sea population two distinct summering areas: (1) continental shelf offshore region southeast (2) inshore Mackenzie Estuary. Observations revealed mean size was similar both environments. A piecewise regression analysis showed belugas were found to be most frequently 24.6 m another 22.0 inshore. The interindividual distance groups composed subadults (or) adults greater than including younger Also, swimming direction individuals a differed less We suggest habitat shapes types activity conducted cohesion persists across environmental conditions but changes with age composition. By identifying elements structure important areas for belugas, our results highlight value conservation.