60,000 Beluga Whales Are On The Move - Watch Their Annual Migration Live

Tune in to join the migration!

Author
ELEANOR HIGGS
Digital Content Creator

Edited
by
Maddy Chapman



Once the belugas reach the Hudson Bay, all is whale.

Image Credit: YVETTE BARNETT/Shutterstock.com

Whale species in Earth’s oceans are some of the most majestic and captivating animals the world has to offer. From the biggest blue whale to sperm whales and everything in between, few people get the chance to appreciate these marine mammals. However, almost 60,000 beluga whales are now on the move as part of their annual migration and Polar’s Bears International have set up a beluga whale live stream so we can join in on the action.

Today, July 15, is Arctic Sea Ice Day, a day created by Polar Bears International to bring attention to the rapidly melting Arctic ecosystem. The beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) swim from the wider Arctic Ocean into the Churchill River in Hudson Bay, Canada, to feed and give birth to their young. More than 57,000 belugas will make this journey so the odds of spotting them frolicking in the water via the live cam are pretty good.

“Beluga whales are so curious and many will swim right up to the underwater camera, as they play in the wake of the boat,” Alysa McCall, Polar Bears International Staff Scientist and Director of Conservation Outreach, told BBC Discover Wildlife.



Two live cams are mounted on the research boat Delphi: one that films the water's surface, while the other films under the water. A hydrophone is even used to pick up the voices of the belugas as they travel. These animals are known as the “canaries of the sea” because of their incredible range of vocalizations. As well as their vocalizations, studies have shown that the squishy melon on their heads can also change shape, aiding with visual communication.

More:
https://www.iflscience.com/60000-beluga-whales-are-on-the-move-watch-their-annual-migration-live-75099





Hudson Bay Balugas