Around 60,000 Beluga whales make an annual migration from the Arctic to the warm waters of Hudson Bay’s Churchill River estuary in Canada. There, they feed, molt and give birth. Now, whale enthusiasts and animal lovers alike can enjoy real-time footage of the whales as they make their epic journey.
The real-time Beluga cam is hosted by Polar Bears International, a non-profit focused on Polar bear conservation. The Underwater Beluga Cam often shows whales playing, swimming, and nursing and feeding their calves.
“Beluga whales are so curious and many will swim right up to the underwater camera, as they play in the wake of the boat,” said Alysa McCall, Polar Bears International Staff Scientist and Director of Conservation Outreach. The Beluga Cam also features a hydrophone, which allows viewers to hear the whales communicating. Other local wildlife is sometimes visible on camera, too.
“Thanks to these cams, researchers have been able to identify melon comb jellyfish (Beroe cucumis) and common northern comb jellyfish (Bolinopsis infundibulum) in the Churchill River,” McCall said. “Viewers could even see a seal if they’re lucky, and, onshore, there’s a good chance of spotting a polar bear along the shoreline.”
The Beluga cam also provides insight into behavioral patterns of the whales, which contributes to understanding how climate change and warming oceans affect these creatures.
“It’s more critical than ever to monitor this region as recent research predicts the Southern and Western Hudson Bay polar bears, including the polar bears of Churchill, are likely to become locally extinct if nations fail to meet the goals set in the Paris Climate Agreement,” said McCall. “Underwater footage can provide a wealth of information about belugas in the Churchill River estuary. This project has not only helped us understand beluga whales better, but it also offers a unique view into their rich underwater habitat.”
