Satellite image survey of beluga whales in the southern Kara Sea

The use of satellite imagery to find, count and monitor whales in remote hard access areas has shown some promise, but few studies have, as yet, provided substantial conservation outcomes. Recent have the ability very high-resolution satellites detect previously surveyed populations belugas narwhals Canada. Here we describe detection a large aggregation poorly population southern Kara Sea, Russia, region where Soviet whaling is known had heavy toll on belugas. We counted over 1,100 surface using imagery. As only an unknown portion can be seen surface, accurately converting abundance estimate will need further study, analog aerial surveys that this between ~1,150–2,870 individuals. Although species not currently considered endangered, concern future trends increasing, reliant Arctic sea ice, which rapidly declining due climate change. This study shows utility discover new little-known cetacean populations.