Belugas: Whales Suited for Winter

Usually found in the Arctic, this species is well adapted for winter conditions. Like other species found in the Arctic such as the narwhal or bowhead whale, the beluga lacks a dorsal fin. This fin allows whales to evacuate heat through a process known as thermoregulation. However, in cold waters, such a trait is more of a disadvantage than anything. Additionally, the dorsal crest is believed to make it easier for the animals to break through thin ice without injuring themselves when breathing on the surface.

Did you know that the beluga’s names comes from the Russian word for white, bielo? This colour is probably a very useful trait when living in the Arctic. Our St. Lawrence belugas are very lucky, as they have no predators. However, in the Arctic, they are hunted by polar bears. Their white colour likely helps them go unnoticed amongst the ice floes and thus avoid being preyed upon. For us as observers, this colour makes them particularly difficult to spot in winter.

Back to Cap de Bon-Désir… The belugas observed are not alone. Two harbour seals and 15 or so harp seals are also swimming in the ice-free waters. On February 18, Renaud would observe seals once again, this time directly from GREMM’s office on the second floor of the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre in Tadoussac.

Still on the North Shore but farther downstream, between Port-Cartierand Sept-Îles, about twenty seals are observed offshore. The ice cover is now well established. If whales pass through the polynya (ice-free zone) in the middle of the St. Lawrence, they will be too far for local residents to be able to see.