St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga Whale
Indicator name: Beluga
Status: Moderate to poor
Trend: Slight deterioration since 2018-2023
Prepared by:
Véronique Lesage – Researcher
Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation, Science Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Copyright information
Cat. No.: En78-6/2026E-PDF
ISBN: 978-0-660-99905-0
This publication may be reproduced for personal or internal use without permission, provided the source is fully acknowledged. However, reproduction of this publication in whole or in part for purposes of redistribution requires the prior written permission from the Canada Water Agency by contacting:
Canada Water Agency
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R3C 1M8
Canada
Email: water-eau@cwa-aec.gc.ca
© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the President of the Canada Water Agency and the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, 2025
Published by authority of the Minister of l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec
© Gouvernement du Québec, 2025
Aussi disponible en français sous le titre: Le béluga de l’estuaire du Saint-Laurent
Highlights
The decline in the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population, which began around 2000, has tapered off. Recent advances in survey methods have provided a more accurate estimate of the population, which numbered between 1,530 and 2,180 individuals in 2022. However, high mortality among newborns, pregnant females and, more recently, potentially juveniles, is impeding recruitment. Recent changes in physical condition, summer distribution and diet indicate the likely influence of environmental factors, the relative importance of which remains uncertain.
Problem
The St. Lawrence Estuary population, located at the southernmost end of this Arctic species’ range, is endangered and protected in Canada under the Species at Risk Act. Decimated by commercial hunting (1700s–1800s) and by measures aimed at reducing population size for the supposed protection of commercial fish species (1900s), this population has remained stagnant and was estimated at only 1,530 to 2,180 individuals in 2022. This population has one of the most restricted ranges among belugas; its current range covers the St. Lawrence Estuary and, on a seasonal basis, a portion of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Several potentially cumulative factors could hinder recovery of the species. Chronic noise and disturbance associated with marine traffic, the risk of collision with small vessels and exposure to highly toxic chemicals are a few examples. Since 2010, warmer waters and air temperatures and reduced ice cover have coincided with a decline in recruitment and the survival rate of pregnant females, as well as with changes in distribution. The relative role of these factors remains uncertain. Recent observations suggest that the protective measures in place remain insufficient for the recovery of this population. From a positive standpoint, a decline in cancer incidence over the past 15 years suggests that the ban on certain contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), has had a beneficial effect. However, certain organohalogen compounds may still persist at levels deleterious to the immune and endocrine systems. Furthermore, many emerging contaminants with unknown toxicity have recently been introduced into the environment, posing an additional threat to belugas.
Study area
Figure 1: St. Lawrence Map
Text description of Figure 1
Purpose of the Figure
- To illustrate the spatial distribution of important habitats used by a marine species in the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf.
- To show the seasonal difference between summer habitat use (red hatching) and winter habitat use (grey shading).
- To highlight key geographic sectors used by the species, including the Saguenay Fjord, the Middle Estuary, and the Maritime Estuary.
Geographic Extent
- The map is centered on the estuarine and maritime portion of the St. Lawrence River in Québec.
- Two major geographic subdivisions are indicated:
- Middle Estuary (western portion of the map).
- Maritime Estuary (eastern portion, more open toward the Gulf).
- Several localities serve as reference points:
- Baie Sainte Marguerite, Saguenay River, Cap de la Boule, Colombier.
- On the south shore: Rimouski, Les Méchins, Rivière à Claude.
- On the north shore: Sept Îles, Pointe des Monts.
- An inset map places the study area in a broader context, including Québec and the northeastern United States.
Cartographic Elements and Layout
- Orientation: a north arrow is present, consistent with scientific map conventions.
- The basemap shows:
- Coastal relief and shoreline contours.
- The main hydrographic network (Saguenay River, St. Lawrence Estuary).
- Seasonal zones are represented with two contrasting visual styles:
- Red hatching for summer habitat.
- Uniform grey shading for winter habitat.
- Place names are written in black, with visual hierarchy reflecting their importance.
- A geographic inset highlights the regional location of the study area.
Legend – Meaning of the Zones
- Two main categories:
- Summer habitat: red hatched zone, concentrated in the Middle Estuary and Saguenay.
- Winter habitat: grey shaded zone, much more extensive, covering the Maritime Estuary and part of the Gulf.
- The legend clearly distinguishes the two seasons using a simple, intuitive combination of color and texture.
Description of Seasonal Zones
Summer Habitat
- Concentrated in the western portion of the map.
- Includes:
- Baie Sainte Marguerite and part of the Saguenay Fjord.
- The mouth of the Saguenay River.
- A central area of the Middle Estuary, opposite Rimouski.
- The summer zone is restricted and well defined, suggesting a critical habitat likely linked to feeding, reproduction, or favorable ecological conditions.
Winter Habitat
- Much broader and more diffuse than the summer zone.
- Covers:
- A large portion of the Maritime Estuary.
- The north shore between Pointe des Monts and Sept Îles.
- Part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
- The winter dispersion suggests a wider use of the environment, possibly influenced by ice conditions, prey availability, or oceanographic factors.
Spatial Distribution (West to East)
- Saguenay / Middle Estuary sector:
- Highly concentrated summer habitat around the Saguenay and Baie Sainte Marguerite.
- Rimouski – Les Méchins sector:
- Transitional area between summer and winter zones.
- Pointe des Monts – Sept Îles sector:
- Broad winter habitat zone along the north shore.
- Gulf of St. Lawrence:
- Eastern extension of the winter habitat.
Reading and Visual Contrasts
- The contrast between red hatching (summer) and grey shading (winter) allows immediate seasonal differentiation.
- Place names act as spatial anchors for interpreting distribution.
- The inset map helps situate the study area within a broader geographic context.
- The overlay of the two seasons highlights a marked seasonal shift between a restricted summer habitat and an extensive winter habitat.
Key measures
Photographic and visual aerial surveys, conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, are used to estimate the size of the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga and its trends to be monitored over time. The information gathered in these surveys is also used to identify habitats important to the population and to document potential changes in distribution.
The carcass monitoring program, in place since 1983, provides mortality indices based on age structure. Depending on their degree of decomposition, carcasses are either sampled in situ or sent to the Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for a complete necropsy, during which veterinary pathologists take various samples to determine the causes of mortality (e.g., infectious disease, cancer, injuries).
Samples taken from carcasses undergo various analyses, notably to determine changes in diet using chemical tracers, the level of exposure to various toxic contaminants, and the presence of certain pathogens.
The size of the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population is estimated using a population dynamics model that integrates a wide range of population-specific data into a biologically realistic framework for the species. These data include, in particular, abundance indices and the proportion of juveniles estimated by aerial surveys, causes of mortality estimated by the carcass monitoring program, independent data on the proportion of juveniles in the population, and certain environmental parameters.
Status and trends
Population dynamics and trends
Photographic and visual aerial surveys, conducted since 1990, are used to estimate the abundance and proportion of juveniles (0–1 year of age) in the population. Combined with other sources of information, such as age- and sex-specific mortality indices derived from a carcass monitoring program that began in 1983, these data enable population size and trends to be assessed within a biologically realistic framework for the species.
This modelling reveals a population decline that began around 2000 and continued for several years. A slight increase from 2008 to 2018, potentially linked to a decrease in cancer incidence, subsequently occurred despite increased mortality among pregnant females and newborns. Since 2018, growth has slowed and population numbers appear to have stabilized at between 1,530 and 2,180 individuals in 2022. If low recruitment and high mortality among pregnant females persist, and if the apparent increase in mortality among juveniles is real, a new decline could occur.
An aerial survey conducted in 2025 will provide updated abundance values and model results.
Carcass monitoring and causes of mortality
An update on the leading causes of mortality since 2013 is currently underway. Necropsies of 222 carcasses recovered between 1983 and 2012 indicate that infectious diseases appear to be the leading cause of mortality, affecting primarily juveniles and approximately one-third of the carcasses examined. Cancer accounted for 20% of adult mortalities. However, no belugas born after 1971 showed evidence of cancer, coinciding with the implementation of regulations on PAHs and PCBs. Complications related to calving accounted for 19% of mortalities among adult females in 2012, frequency having increased since the 2000s and remaining high, even in recent years.
Monitoring of carcasses shows that, despite inter-annual variations, the annual number of belugas found dead remained stable from 1983 to 2025, with a median of 15 per year. Since 2008, certain trends have emerged based on age or sex. In 16 of the last 18 years, newborn mortality exceeded the highest levels observed between 1983 and 2007. Among adults, the number of males found dead has decreased, while the number of females found dead has remained stable. A unusually high number of juveniles were found dead in 2023 and 2025, prompting close monitoring of this key age class for future population recruitment.
Figure 2: Number of Carcasses
Text description of Figure 2
Purpose of the Figure
- To illustrate the temporal evolution of the annual number of carcasses recorded over roughly forty years (1982–2024).
- To compare two distinct time series, represented by two point‑and‑line styles (open circles + dashed line vs. filled circles + solid line).
- To highlight overall trends, year‑to‑year fluctuations, and differences in mean levels between the two series.
Temporal Extent
- Horizontal axis (x‑axis): Years from 1982 to 2024, spanning more than four decades.
- Years are evenly spaced, allowing continuous reading of trends.
- The period includes phases of stability, isolated peaks, and marked variations depending on the series.
Graphical Elements and Layout
- Vertical axis (y‑axis): labeled Number of carcasses, scaled to represent observed values (approximately 0 to 20).
- Two data series:
- Series 1: open circles connected by a dashed line.
- Series 2: filled circles connected by a solid line.
- Two horizontal dashed lines indicate the mean values of each series.
- The visual contrast between open vs. filled symbols and dashed vs. solid lines facilitates comparison.
- The background is white and uncluttered, emphasizing the data.
- Axes are clearly labeled with simple, readable typography.
Legend – Meaning of the Symbols
- The figure distinguishes two time series:
- Open‑circle series + dashed line: generally higher values, oscillating around a mean of ~15 carcasses.
- Filled‑circle series + solid line: lower values, often below 10 carcasses, with a pronounced peak around 2012.
- Horizontal dashed lines represent the overall mean for each series across the full period.
Description of Trends (1982–2024)
Open‑circle series (dashed line)
- Shows regular year‑to‑year fluctuations.
- Most values fall between 10 and 20 carcasses.
- The mean remains relatively stable across the entire period.
- No clear upward or downward long‑term trend, but persistent interannual variability.
Filled‑circle series (solid line)
- Displays lower values than the open‑circle series, often below 10 carcasses.
- A notable peak appears around 2012, clearly exceeding neighboring years.
- Aside from this peak, the series remains relatively low and stable.
- The mean level is consistently lower than that of the open‑circle series.
Reading and Visual Contrasts
- The difference in symbol and line style allows immediate comparison between the two series.
- Mean lines help visualize the distinct average levels:
- Open‑circle series: higher mean.
- Filled‑circle series: lower mean.
- The 2012 peak in the filled‑circle series stands out as a strong visual focal point.
- The long time span (1982–2024) enables observation of cycles, anomalies, and long‑term variability.
Figure 3: Estimated Number of Adult Males
Text description of Figure 3
Purpose of the Figure
- To present the temporal evolution of the estimated number of adult males in a given population over roughly forty years.
- To visualize the overall trend using a regression line (solid line) and its confidence interval (dashed lines).
- To support interpretation of year‑to‑year variation and long‑term changes in estimated abundance.
Temporal Extent
- Horizontal axis (x‑axis): Year, covering approximately 1985 to 2025.
- Data points are distributed regularly, representing an estimate for nearly every year.
- The period includes phases of increase, decline, and stabilization.
Graphical Elements and Layout
- Vertical axis (y‑axis): labeled Estimated number of adult males, scaled from 0 to about 12.
- Each black point represents an annual estimate.
- A solid trend line runs through the points, illustrating the average trajectory over time.
- Two dashed lines flank the trend line, representing the confidence interval and indicating uncertainty around the mean estimate.
- The background is white and free of decorative elements, maximizing readability.
- Axes are clearly labeled with simple, uniform typography.
Legend – Meaning of the Elements
- Black points: annual estimates of the number of adult males.
- Solid line: central estimated trend (statistical model).
- Dashed lines: confidence interval around the trend, illustrating variability and uncertainty.
- The figure does not include a textual legend, but the graphical conventions are standard and easily interpreted.
Description of Trends (1985–2025)
Initial Phase (late 1980s – late 1990s)
- Estimates generally range between 8 and 12 adult males.
- The trend is relatively stable, with modest year‑to‑year variability.
Progressive Decline (late 1990s – 2010s)
- The trend line shows a marked decrease in the estimated number of adult males.
- Annual points follow this downward trajectory, several falling below 6 individuals.
- This period represents the most pronounced decline in the series.
Stabilization or Slight Increase (2015–2025)
- The trend stops decreasing and shows stabilization, with a slight upward shift toward the 2020s.
- Annual estimates fall around 5 to 7 individuals.
- The confidence interval remains relatively constant, indicating stable uncertainty.
Reading and Visual Contrasts
- The contrast between annual points and the trend line helps distinguish short‑term fluctuations from long‑term patterns.
- The dashed confidence interval lines help visualize the magnitude of statistical uncertainty.
- The figure clearly highlights:
- a high initial level,
- a sustained multi‑decade decline,
- a recent stabilization that may be cautiously encouraging.
- The visual simplicity of the graph supports quick reading and robust interpretation.
Differences in mortality across demographic segments may be caused by multiple factors. Adult male carcasses may have become less detectable due to a change in distribution, or adult male abundance may have declined. Another explanation is that adult males may have recently experienced improved survival. The survival rate of adult females and males may also have improved owing, for example, to reductions in certain contaminants and in the incidence of cancer. In adult females, the recent trend of greater mortality during pregnancy may have counteracted the benefits of decreased mortality from cancer and could explain, at least in part, the increased mortality in newborns.
The decline in the physical condition of belugas in the 2000s and the dietary diversification since at least 2015 suggest difficulties in feeding adequately.
Figure 4: Total Fatty Acids
Text description of Figure 4
Purpose of the Figure
- To illustrate the temporal evolution of total fatty acid concentrations (µg/g wet weight) in the tissues of the studied organism.
- To compare values between two sexes (F = females, M = males), represented by distinct symbols.
- To highlight a general declining trend over time using a regression line and its confidence interval.
Temporal Extent
- Horizontal axis (x‑axis): Year, covering approximately 1998 to 2016.
- Data points span nearly two decades, allowing observation of interannual variation and long‑term trends.
- The period includes years with more or fewer data points depending on sex.
Graphical Elements and Layout
- Vertical axis (y‑axis): labeled Total fatty acids (µg/g ww), scaled from 0 to about 12.
- Two symbol types represent the sexes:
- Black diamonds: females (F).
- White circles: males (M).
- A solid regression line runs through the figure, illustrating the central trend.
- A shaded band around the line represents the confidence interval, indicating uncertainty around the trend.
- The background is white and free of decorative elements, maximizing readability.
- Axes are clearly labeled with simple, uniform typography.
Legend – Meaning of the Symbols
- Black diamonds (F): values measured in females.
- White circles (M): values measured in males.
- Solid line: estimated mean trend in total fatty acids over time.
- Shaded band: confidence interval around the trend, reflecting variability and statistical uncertainty.
Description of Trends (1998–2016)
Beginning of the Period (late 1990s – early 2000s)
- Total fatty acid concentrations are relatively high, often between 8 and 12 µg/g ww
- Both sexes show comparable values with moderate dispersion.
Progressive Decline (2000s – early 2010s)
- The trend line shows a continuous decrease in concentrations.
- Annual points for both sexes follow this downward trajectory
- Values gradually fall toward 4–6 µg/g ww.
End of the Period (2012–2016)
- Concentrations reach their lowest levels, often below 5 µg/g ww.
- The trend remains downward, with no clear sign of stabilization.
- Both sexes remain relatively close in value, with no marked divergence.
Reading and Visual Contrasts
- The contrast between black symbols (F) and white symbols (M) allows easy differentiation between sexes.
- The downward regression line highlights a strong decline in total fatty acids over time.
- The shaded confidence band helps visualize uncertainty, which remains relatively constant across the period.
- The figure clearly shows a robust negative trend, consistent between sexes and persistent over nearly twenty years.
Potential stressors
Several non-exclusive, potentially cumulative hypotheses have been proposed to explain the increased mortality in newborns and adult females, as well as demographic changes.
A link has recently been demonstrated between the presence of PAH-DNA adducts and the incidence of gastrointestinal cancers in belugas. However, PAHs and other organic contaminants such as PCBs and DDT have been declining in belugas and their environment over the past few decades. In contrast, other contaminants, such as PBDEs and certain PFAS, have increased in beluga tissues during the 1990s or have appeared recently. There is currently no evidence of a link between PBDEs or other contaminants and cases of hypothyroidism in St. Lawrence Estuary belugas, although PBDEs and other flame retardants are correlated with gene expression and thyroid hormone levels. However, the sudden increase in mortality among newborns and young females in the late 2000s raises questions about the potential role of organic contaminants in the recent increase in mortality. An update on the substances to which St. Lawrence Estuary belugas are exposed is necessary to better assess the risks that contaminants pose to their health.
In addition, St. Lawrence River belugas are chronically exposed to noise from commercial vessels and ferries operating in their habitat. From May to October, they are also exposed to recreational boaters seeking to observe them, as well as a large tourism industry operating within their critical habitat. These activities disturb beluga vocalizations, reduce the space in which they can hear and communicate with each other, and can disrupt critical activities such as calving, nursing and feeding. The deterioration in beluga physical condition documented in the 2000s suggests difficulties in obtaining an adequate diet, possibly resulting from a decline in the abundance or quality of prey. Frequent interference from shipping or poor health resulting from the deleterious effects of contaminants could be aggravating factors in these circumstances.
The shift in beluga population dynamics around 2000 coincides with profound changes in the oceanographic conditions of the beluga’s habitat. Previously characterized by relatively cold air and sea temperatures and harsh winters, this ecosystem has experienced warmer conditions since the 2000s. These changes occurred as stocks of certain key beluga prey collapsed, without this loss of biomass being replaced by that of other species.
High mortality rates may also occur following toxic algal blooms. This was most notably the case in 2008, when high mortality rates occurred among belugas and several other marine species.
Outlook
The inability of the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population to recover despite the cessation of hunting suggests that anthropogenic and environmental stressors were already limiting its growth between 1980 and 1990.
Having been present in the St. Lawrence River for 10,000 years, belugas have adapted to an extreme and changing environment. However, the rapid pace of current climate warming, isolation, high levels of inbreeding and cultural traits limiting their colonization of new areas could reduce their adaptability. Large-scale modelling predicts a lack of suitable habitat for belugas in the St. Lawrence River by 2100.
Although regulations on certain contaminants appear to have successfully reduced cancer incidence, the vulnerabilities identified highlight the urgency of further action. The planned expansion of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park will help regulate activities harmful to belugas across a larger portion of their habitat. Research and monitoring will help assess the effectiveness of the actions taken and better identify limiting factors.
For more information
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State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program
Five government partners—Environment and Climate Change Canada; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Parks Canada; the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques du Québec; and the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec—and Stratégies Saint-Laurent, a non-governmental organization that works actively with riverside communities, are pooling their expertise and efforts to provide Canadians with information on the state of the St. Lawrence and the long-term trends affecting it.
For more information about the State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program, please consult: https://www.planstlaurent.qc.ca/en/developing-knowledge/state-st-lawrence-monitoring-program.