Arrival of Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) to the Mackenzie Estuary in Relation to Sea Ice: Report on Spring 2011-2013 Aerial Surveys - CIMP143

File Identifier: {E1D6298E-1F66-47C8-9F62-760E1645A8E9}

Metadata Language: en

Responsible Party:

Organisation Name: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Role: Point Of Contact

Contact Info:

E-Mail Address: Carie.Hoover@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Metadata Date: 2015-01-30

Metadata Standard Name: ISO 19139/19115 Metadata for Datasets

Metadata Standard Version: 2003

Abstract: To enhance our knowledge of beluga spring habitat use, aerial surveys were flown over the Mackenzie River estuary, and Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula, NT, Canada, from 2011-2013. Survey objectives were to (1) examine the arrival of beluga whales in relation to the timing and location of fast ice break-up offshore of the Mackenzie Estuary, (2) train community members in the collection and analysis of aerial survey data, and (3) provide near real-time information on the arrival and distribution of beluga in the estuary to the Inuvialuit communities. This report details the survey methodology, and plots of surfaced belugas and other marine mammals, as observed during 10 days of aerial surveys from June 2011-2013. Further analysis and interpretation of these results will enhance and update our understanding of beluga arrival patterns, and how spring distribution may be impacted by changing sea ice conditions and climate. Results will assist regulators, managers and Inuvialuit in protecting critical habitats, ensuring continued subsistence harvesting and advance our understanding of beluga habitat use.

Language: en

Citation:

Contact Info:

Title: Arrival of Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) to the Mackenzie Estuary in Relation to Sea Ice: Report on Spring 2011-2013 Aerial Surveys - CIMP143

Date:

Date: 2013-06-22

Date Type: Creation Date

Point Of Contact:

Individual Name: Carie Hoover

Organisation Name: Department of Fisheries and Oceans

Role: Point Of Contact

Contact Info:

Street Address: 501 University Crescent

City: Winnipeg

Province/State: MB

Postal Code/ZIP: R3T 2N6

Topic Category: Biology and Ecology

Keyword Collection:

Keyword: Beluga whale

Keyword: Mackenzie Estuary

Keyword: aerial survey

Keyword: sea ice

Keyword: habitat use

Keyword: CIMP143

Keyword: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Keyword: Marine Life

Keyword: Paper

Keyword: Report

Spatial Extent:

West Bounding Longitude: -143.0679

East Bounding Longitude: -124.2859

North Bounding Latitude: 73.9456

South Bounding Latitude: 68.1718

Transfer Options:

URL: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/352829.pdf

Distributor:

Distributor Contact:

Organisation Name: Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program (CIMP)

Role: Point Of Contact