Mystic Aquarium

Sea Research Foundation and Mystic Aquarium partner with Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge on Cunningham Inlet in Nunavut, Canada, to help protect the wild beluga whale population through research and education. A world-class beluga observation site located 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle, late Sea Research Scientist and Research Director Dr. David St. Aubin conducted research studies on belugas in Cunningham Inlet for many years and this is the first time people are studying this whale population since 1999. Since that time, the climate has changed dramatically, allowing increased ship traffic in the Northwest Passage. No one knows how this affects the belugas and if the beluga population is growing, shrinking or stabilizing.

In July 2012, Sea Research’s scientists spent two weeks at Arctic Watch to look at the feasibility for long term beluga studies in this area and initiate observations and collect data on the hundreds of wild belugas that make Cunningham Inlet their home for six weeks each year. Sea Research scientists hope to continue monitoring the beluga population over coming years while serving as a resource to Arctic Watch guests.

Sea Research scientists have also conducted research on wild belugas in Point Lay and Bristol Bay, Alaska, in order to determine the environment’s effect on beluga health and compare health information with endangered beluga populations worldwide.

Arctic Watch is a one-of-a-kind, five-star, permanent wilderness resort that offers the most comfortable remote accommodations in the High Arctic and up-close view of belugas, muskox, a wide range of birds, Arctic foxes and hares, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Click here to see how you can visit Arctic Watch during “Mystic Week,” July 19 – 26, 2013, or July 18 - 25, 2014, and support this research project.