2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research & Conservation

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

The 2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research and Conservation was a follow-up to the first beluga workshop held in Valencia, Spain 10 years ago. This conference brought together indigenous peoples, scientists, wildlife managers and policy makers to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge, scientific research, aquarium husbandry and wildlife management with the ultimate goal of developing a cohesive plan to promote beluga research and conservation.

Much progress had been made since the first workshop, including integration of beluga tagging and health assessment studies, new migratory information on several populations, utilization of aquarium whales to answer questions about noise impacts on whale hearing and physiology, a science-based cultural and educational exchange program for indigenous youth and more. Despite this progress, environmental and anthropogenic concerns still threaten belugas and their habitat as well as the people who rely on them. In some areas of the Arctic and subarctic, beluga populations are stable while other populations, like Alaska’s Cook Inlet belugas, are critically endangered with no signs of recovery despite its highly protected status.

The 2^nd International Workshop allowed us the opportunity to collectively reassess efforts moving forward to determine the best way to leverage current assets and expertise available for beluga research and conservation.

The workshop was hosted by Mystic Aquarium at their new Milne Ocean Science and Conservation Center in Mystic, CT. Home to the largest outdoor beluga whale exhibit in the United States, Mystic Aquarium has a team of scientists and educators dedicated to beluga research and conservation efforts.

More than ever, connections, communication, awareness and collaborations are needed to mitigate threats to belugas. We must prevent habitat degradation – which could lead to the extinction of some populations – and ensure that belugas and their ecosystems thrive because thriving beluga populations and ecosystems will ensure food security (i.e. nutrition, culture, tradition, economics, social ties) for indigenous peoples.

With numerous aquaria around the world caring for beluga whales and five polar countries managing beluga populations, there is a need to share the latest concerns, research, husbandry and management practices to enhance beluga conservation.

The 2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research and Conservation achieved the following goals:

• Reviewed the conservation threats for all beluga populations and evaluated effectiveness of current measures to mitigate these threats;
• Evaluated advances made since the first workshop and identified remaining challenges;
• Determined best utilization of belugas in aquaria for research to inform wild beluga biology;
• Learned from traditional knowledge for further incorporation into research and management plans;
• Raised public awareness by developing education and outreach programs.