Save the Belugas
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Although commonly referred to as whales, belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) are more closely related to dolphins. Also known as white whales or sea canaries due to their high-pitched vocalisations, they are sometimes called melon-headed whales because of their prominent melon-shaped echolocation organ. Found in Arctic regions, belugas have unique adaptations for their environment, such as the absence of a dorsal fin, which allows them to navigate under ice with ease. They can grow up to 5.5 metres in length and weigh 1.6 tonnes. Belugas are social animals, typically living in groups of around ten, although these groups can expand to hundreds or even thousands in estuaries and shallow coastal areas. Opportunistic feeders, their diet varies by location and includes squid, fish, crabs, clams, and octopus. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers belugas nearly threatened.
The problem
For many years, native populations such as the Inuit have sustainably hunted belugas as part of their sacred cultural practices, which are not regulated by the International Whaling Commission. However, significant threats to belugas stem from climate change, which disrupts their hunting grounds and swimming patterns due to melting icebergs and glaciers. Other issues include infectious diseases, ship strikes, whaling for entertainment purposes, and pollution. Belugas are extremely sensitive to environmental changes, and their blubber—a thick layer of fat—absorbs heavy metals and chemical pollutants, which are harmful to their health.
Environmental Consequences
Beluga whales serve as an important food source for native populations and play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. As top predators, their absence would disrupt the ecological balance, leading to an overpopulation of prey species. This, in turn, could cause a decline in phytoplankton and zooplankton, which are critical for maintaining oxygen levels in the ocean.
Possible solutions
To protect belugas, it is essential to first understand their importance and raise awareness among others. Collectively, we can urge authorities to prioritise basic sanitation, particularly in coastal areas and cities near rivers, as pollution severely impacts belugas and marine life as a whole.
You can contribute by donating to initiatives focused on beluga conservation worldwide. If donating is not an option, consider volunteering for a nearby conservation programme.
Additionally, choosing sustainable ocean-related products, such as crustaceans and oysters instead of fish, can help support a healthier marine ecosystem.
WSF Activities and Initiatives
The World Sustainability Foundation supports OneWhale, an initiative based in Canada and Norway that is dedicated to the protection and monitoring of beluga whales, particularly their interactions with humans.
OneWhale is a non-profit animal rights organisation established in 2019 to protect Hvaldimir, a displaced beluga whale living in Norway. Following Hvaldimir’s death, OneWhale is now advocating for justice on his behalf in Norway and working to improve conditions for whales worldwide. This includes anti-whaling campaigns and the establishment of the first-ever whale reserve for rehabilitating former captive whales.
The whale reserve project, inspired by Hvaldimir, aims to “re-wild” captive whales by offering them a safe haven in their natural Arctic habitat. The first beneficiary will be Bella, a young female beluga whale currently confined in a glass tank inside a Korean shopping mall.
In addition to Bella, there are hundreds of belugas and orcas living in small tanks globally. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to provide these animals with opportunities for rehabilitation or release into the wild. The project has also expanded its vision to include an Arctic wildlife rescue centre for other marine mammals, such as otters, walruses, and seals, giving them a second chance at life in the wild.
Reference
- Lentifer, J. (1988). Selected Marine Mammals of Alaska: Species Accounts with Research and Management Recommendations. Marine Mammals Commission.
- Katona, Steven K., Valerie Rough, and David T. Richardson. (1983). A Field Guide to the Whales, Porpoises and Seals of the Gulf of Maine and Eastern Canada. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. ISBN 0684179024.
- Beluga Whale – Marine Bio. “Delphinapterus leucas”.
- OneWhale Norwegian Whale Reserve
