Evaluating temporal trends in behavior and demographics to understand the lack of recovery of an endangered whale population

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dc.contributor.authorRyan, Kasey
dc.contributor.examiningcommitteeFerguson, Steven (Biological Sciences)
dc.contributor.examiningcommitteeMundy, CJ (Environment and Geography)
dc.contributor.examiningcommitteeDall, Sasha (University of Exeter)
dc.contributor.supervisorWheeler (Watt), Cortney
dc.contributor.supervisorRoth, James
dc.date.accessioned2025-04-17T20:17:44Z
dc.date.available2025-04-17T20:17:44Z
dc.date.issued2025-03-24
dc.date.submitted2025-03-24T14:43:58Zen_US
dc.degree.disciplineBiological Sciences
dc.degree.levelDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
dc.description.abstractBeluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are critical components of the Arctic marine ecosystem, and they face numerous threats from environmental changes and human activities. Understanding their population dynamics, habitat use, and social structure is crucial for their conservation. The research outlined here investigates the endangered Cumberland Sound beluga whale population using various techniques including drone surveys, aerial surveys, and satellite telemetry. The thesis begins with an overview of beluga whale ecology, behavior, and the threats they face, and explores how many of these aspects vary between populations. Satellite telemetry was used to explore behavioral trends, revealing stable migration timing over several years. Dive behavior analyses suggest a change in prey preference from Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) to capelin (Mallotus villosus), which may have negative consequences for the population over time as the distribution and abundance of capelin can be less predictable. Drone technology was used to create a photographic identification catalog for the beluga whale population, allowing for detailed monitoring of individual whales, minimizing disturbance, and providing insights into age structure and social dynamics. From 2017 to 2019, drone surveys identified 93 individual whales, revealing many uniquely marked adults and consistent resightings, and the existence of stable social groups over multiple years. Aerial surveys in 2014 and 2017 provided extensive coverage of the beluga whale population and showed a potential contraction in geographical range and a lower proportion of juveniles compared to other populations. The integration of drone and aerial surveys in this study resulted in comprehensive data on demographic trends, crucial for understanding population health. This thesis also examined the long-term impacts of satellite tagging. Two whales were photographed with tag remnants and scars, suggesting although tagging did not result in long-term health issues in these cases, the remnants of tagging may remain long after intended. In summary, this thesis provides a detailed examination of the Cumberland Sound beluga whale population, demonstrating the importance of varied research methods for effective monitoring. Given interpopulation differences in beluga whale ecology, these insights are crucial for developing targeted conservation strategies and ensuring the long-term resilience of the population against environmental and anthropogenic pressures.
dc.description.noteMay 2025
dc.description.sponsorshipThe World Wildlife Fund, Canada Arctic Species Conservation Fund, G-0520-004-00-D The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, Nunavut Wildlife Research Trust project, 3-19-08 The Oakes-Riewe Aboriginal-Environmental Studies Research Award, 46216
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1993/39030
dc.language.isoeng
dc.subjectEcology
dc.subjectArctic
dc.subjectBeluga
dc.subjectDelphinapterus leucas
dc.subjectPhotographic identification
dc.subjectDrone
dc.subjectHarvest
dc.subjectEndangered
dc.subjectMigration
dc.subjectHabitat use
dc.subjectPopulation dynamics
dc.subjectSocial structure
dc.subjectClimate change
dc.subjectAnthropogenic threat
dc.subjectCetacean
dc.titleEvaluating temporal trends in behavior and demographics to understand the lack of recovery of an endangered whale population
local.subject.manitobano
oaire.awardNumberRGPIN-2016-05934
oaire.awardTitleNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery Grant
oaire.awardURIhttps://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Professors-Professeurs/Grants-Subs/DGIGP-PSIGP_eng.asp
project.funder.identifierhttps://doi.org/10.13039/501100000038
project.funder.nameNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
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