Beluga distribution

Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) are called Qilalugaq in Inuktitut and are extremely sociable mammals that live, hunt, and migrate together in pods ranging from a few individuals to hundreds of whales. Also known as the “canaries of the sea”, belugas use chirps and whistles to communicate, navigate, and find food. Around twenty per cent of the Canadian population migrate through Lancaster Sound every year on their way to their summering grounds. This map layer shows beluga distribution based on traditional Inuit and local knowledged collected by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.