Are there whales in hudson bay

They are really a magnificent, interesting predator — highly efficient," Ferguson said. Ferguson said that means killer whales are spending more time farther into Hudson Bay and "they are there to eat. While the killer whales may finally be free to swim the bay for longer periods of time, Ferguson said it can have major consequences for other species.

Thousands of belugas migrate each summer from the Hudson Strait in the east to the warmer waters of river estuaries on the western side of the bay to feed, mate and rear their young. Did you know that Belugas can live up to 30 years? This may be because Belugas have no natural predators other than Orcas and Polar Bears. Plus they can:. We know where to look, how to get you there and how to ensure you have the most complete viewing experience possible. All Rights Reserved. Site Map. Beluga Whales of Hudson Bay.

Around the world, and especially in the Arctic, changing environmental conditions are offering up new habitats to animals willing to venture into the unknown. Either way, the lack of sea ice in the bay—which is setting in later , and over a smaller area , than in previous decades—was the fake floor hiding a deadly trap. In fact, these four dead whales are just the latest in a rising tally. In , a killer whale was found frozen in ice in the north of the bay. In , an estimated 17 killer whales were seen swimming in the frigid water, their movements tightly constrained by the drifting pack ice.

Most, if not all, of these whales are thought to have died. As far as scientists know, in the Arctic, more killer whales have died in the ice over the past decade than have suffered such a fate over the past century. In , roughly 17 killer whales, including these three, became trapped in Hudson Bay. The southern resident killer whales saw three births in the last year—including a new baby for Tahlequah. Two of the three are female, critical for population growth.

Despite the extensive regulations, there are still many ways for visitors to see whales in Canada. Look for experienced boat operators that promote their respect for whale protection laws. Lawrence region, select members of the Eco-Whale Alliance. Bring binoculars and a zoom-lens camera. Or delve into the importance of killer whales for Indigenous peoples at Indigenous-owned art galleries and studios in British Columbia.

These nonprofits working on whale issues are among those Nat Geo has supported over the years:. Whale Trust Maui : Scientists here study natural behavior patterns associated with reproduction and communication, including humpback singing, to develop better protection methods.

Alaska Whale Foundation : Founded in to study humpback whales in southeast Alaska, AWF now conducts research on an array of marine animals and coastal ecosystems throughout the region. Johanna Read is a Vancouver-based writer who specializes in responsible tourism.

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram. All rights reserved. Travel Planet Possible. Why Canada is making it harder to go whale watching New regulations aim to save orcas and humpbacks. Canada has recently updated its marine mammal regulations, which means boats must stay farther away from whales.

Why whales need our help About 30 whale species live in Canadian waters. How You Can Help the Planet. Share Tweet Email. Why it's so hard to treat pain in infants. This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city.