Investigation of Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) Habitat Ecology Through Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Northern Quebec (Nunavik), Canada

Unprecedented rates of climate change in the Arctic are affecting our understanding of arctic marine ecology. One species of particular interest is the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), because of its importance to the subsistence and culture of the Inuit and for the insights beluga provide in regards to ecosystem health. The use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in marine mammal ecology and management has been growing in recent decades. Our research focuses on two populations which have been slow to recover following commercial hunting one century ago and continuing subsistence harvesting. Inuit Traditional Knowledge (IK) of beluga from hunters was collected to increase the understanding of ecological factors influencing habitat use. Semi-directive interviews were conducted in three Nunavik communities (Quaqtaq, Kangiqsualujjuaq and Kuujjuaraapik) in the winter of 2009. The detailed IK indicated that Greenland cod, capelin, Arctic char, shrimps and sculpin are important prey of beluga in northern Quebec. New insights into the timing and patterns of migration, seasonal changes in body condition, areas of importance for moulting, instances of calving and breeding, and accounts of polar bear and killer whale predation were provided. Hunters indicated that they differentiate between Eastern Hudson Bay belugas and James Bay belugas based on physical characteristics, which suggests these whales are separate stocks. This research is part of an interdisciplinary project to increase the understanding of beluga habitat selection using a combination of IK and scientific survey techniques. Ultimately, the project should identify critical factors that influence habitat use and preference and what ecological factors are associated with these areas of importance.