Download or read book Use of the Nastapoka Estuary by Humans and Belugas Summer 2000 written by D. W. Doidge and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 20 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ... The number of whales in the Nastapoka estuary and their reaction to disturbance was recorded during July and August of 1983-4. (Caron 1987, Caron and Smith 1990). Observations, spanning a shorter time, were made in 1993 (Doidge 1994) and 2000 (present work). The purpose of the study in 2000 was to document the current use of the estuary by humans and beluga whales. In this paper, I discuss the new data in the context of the previous studies and re-examine the data from 1984. ... Summary and conclusions: The extent to which estuaries are important to beluga is not clear. Apart from aerial surveys, and to some extent satellite tagging, most other studies of belugas generate data that is specific to belugas in estuaries. Estuaries are the sampling sites. This can introduce a land-based bias when assessing what habitat is critical for the species. The number of belugas that can be observed, at any one time, during August at the Nastapoka River, has sharply decreased from the number seen in the 1980s. Several disturbance factors have likely caused the decline: boat traffic in the area is now almost daily; beluga hunting is now concentrated in the first week of August which may cause greater disturbance than harvesting in the past which occurred from June to September. A reduction in numbers at the Nastapoka is not direct evidence that the eastern Hudson Bay population has declined because to the concomitant increase in disturbance makes the situation difficult to interpret. However, the decrease in the overall mean age of the population does indicate a reduction in population size. Belugas in estuaries are highly susceptible to hunting pressure as they are easier to catch there, than in coastal or offshore waters. This susceptibility is not necessarily a management problem if the population size permits harvesting. It can be a problem, though if estuarine groups are considered management units (the whales that hunters want access to kill) or if the whales are considered special genetic units. In both of these cases, a large "estuarine" population becomes a management goal. A comparative study is planned for 2001 at Little Whale River, an estuary that has a different pattern and history of disturbance. (Au)--ASTIS online database.

Download or read book Use of the Little Whale and Nastapoka Estuaries by Humans and Beluga During Summer 2001 written by D. W. Doidge and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 34 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Movements of Beluga Tagged at the Nastapoka River written by D. W. Doidge and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) occupy Hudson Bay in summer where they are an important source of country-food for the Inuit. Two stocks have been identified; the western stock is estimated to contain at least 23,000 animals, approximately 15 times larger than the eastern stock (Richard et al 1990). The two stocks are genetically distinct (Brown et al 1997). The eastern stock has been designated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as threatened and a quota system has been applied to the Inuit subsistence harvest on the northern Quebec coast. The western stock has no quota since harvest levels are lower than the estimated sustainable yield. Aerial surveys in 1985 (Smith and Hammill 1986) and 1993 (DFO unpublished) indicate the summer distribution of beluga whales extends between the Quebec coast (Nunavik) and Sanikiluaq (Belcher Islands). Also, satellite tags, which transmitted for a short time in 1993, showed one whale, tagged at the Little Whale River on the Quebec coast, frequented areas offshore as far as the Belchers. These data would indicate a common stock between Nunavik and Sanikiluaq. However, genetic analysis indicates whales harvested in Sanikiluaq are more similar genetically to western Hudson beluga than those caught along the eastern Hudson Bay coast, just 100 km distant. The conflicting scientific information (genetic make-up vs distribution data) has led some Nunavik Inuit to question the scientific validity of the existing co-management regime and quota system. The number of satellite tags deployed in 1993 (DFO unpublished data) has not been sufficient to clearly resolve the movements of whales that frequent the Quebec coast. The hunters' association of the Nunavik Inuit (HFTA) requested that the issue of stock identity be resolved. A resolution supporting the satellite tagging project was passed at the HFTA's annual general meeting in 1998. With support from World Wildlife Fund Canada, Fisheries and Oceans and Makivik Corporation, three satellite tags were deployed on belugas at the Nastapoka River in 1999. ... In August, the tagged animals frequented the offshore between the mainland coast and the Belcher Islands, an area indicated to be the summer distribution of belugas previously by aerial surveys. While the single, gray animal ventured to the Belcher Islands, the time spent in that vicinity accounted for a small proportion of the time it was tracked (ca. 8%). The two adults with calves did not venture as far to the west. The sample size of tagged animals is too small to estimate the probability of animals that occupy the Nastapoka being caught at the Belchers. However, analysis of the DNA of belugas harvested at the Belchers indicates that the number having the eastern Hudson Bay haplotype is low. The degree of site-tenacity and estuarine use appears to be variable. Other studies demonstrate that belugas will return to the locality of tagging (Orr et al 1998, DFO unpublished data). However, the three whales tagged by us, did not appear to re-enter Nastapoka Estuary. Radio transmitters are becoming more dependable enabling data to be gathered over a longer period of time. Two tags transmitted long enough to indicate that whales remain in the Hudson Bay Area until early October. The start of a northward migration, presumably to over-wintering grounds in Hudson Strait, was documented for one whale until its transmitter sopped signaling near Puvirnituq in late October. A large quantity of data has been received from these satellite tags. The inshore areas of beluga habitat, such as estuaries, are well documented from traditional knowledge and scientific studies. The data from satellite tagged whales show areas, offshore of the Nastapoka Islands, where the whales have remained for several days. The bathymetry of these locations will be examined in relation to the whales' diving activities to better understand habitat-use of beluga whales in eastern Hudson Bay. This analysis is scheduled for Winter 2000-01. The method of using surgical pins to attach the transmitter to the whale's back remains invasive, but no alternative has yet been found. The number of whales tagged has been kept to a minimum. A thorough review of the dive data will determine if a realistic correction factor to account for submerged whales, not counted during aerial surveys can be estimated, or whether further tagging is needed"--ASTIS [online] database.

Download or read book Beluga Whale Delphinapterus Leucas Use of the Nelson River Estuary Hudson Bay written by Alexander J. Smith and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 372 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Most beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) (Pallas 1776) living in areas of seasonal sea ice use estuaries periodically during summer. Beluga estuary-use hypotheses include feeding, calving, moulting, killer whale (Orcinus orca) predation, human predation, thermal advantage, and phylogenetic inertia. The hypotheses may not be mutually exclusive and may vary with populations or regions. This study describes aspects of beluga whale summer-ecology by studying the association between inter-annual water levels and beluga habitat selection in the Nelson River estuary. Flow rates from upstream Limestone Dam doubled from the dry years of 2002-2004 to the wet year of 2005. I used radio-tracking data (N=15, 2002-2005) and aerial surveys (2003, 2005) to test the hypothesis (H1) that belugas were farther out in the estuary during the wet year. Model variables included year, day, time, tide and age-sex. Observed location-habitat distances for the radio-tracking and aerial survey data were compared to the random equivalents using a Kolmogorov-Smimov (KS) test. A cumulative sign test determined the timing of a beluga shift in movement behaviour on August 10th. Pre-August 10th radio-tracking locations provided the spatial-temporal boundary of the Nelson River estuary. General Linear Models (GLM) for both the telemetry and aerial survey data show an association between beluga distance to the river-mouth and year. Study results provide evidence to weigh the main estuary-use hypotheses and contriubte to knowledge of beluga ecology and management.

Download or read book Beluga written by Thomas G. Smith and published by . This book was released on 1984 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the Arctic, belugas spend the winter in areas of open water near the edge of broken pack ice. As the ice disperses during the spring and summer months they migrate from their wintering areas eventually ending up in certain river estuaries where they congregate in large numbers for six to seven weeks during mid summer. ... This study is investigating the reasons why belugas occupy their summer estuarine habitats. Cunningham Inlet, an estuary in the High Arctic, has been under observation since 1981. It is the only Canadian Arctic summer concentration of belugas that is not hunted. The Nastapoka River in eastern Hudson Bay is an estuarine concentration which is heavily hunted by the Inuit of northern Quebec. It has been observed for two seasons, 1983 and 1984 -- ASTIS (online) database.

Download or read book Monitoring the State of the St Lawrence River Beluga Whale Population of the Estuary written by Canada. Environment Canada and published by Sainte-Foy, Québec : St. Lawrence Vision 2000. This book was released on 2002 with total page 1 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Sexual Segregation in Vertebrates written by Kathreen Ruckstuhl and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2005 with total page 512 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Males and females of many species can, and do, live separately for long periods of time. This sexual segregation is widespread and can be on social, spatial or habitat scales. An understanding of sexual segregation is important in the explanation of life history and social preference, population dynamics and the conservation of rare species. Sexual Segregation in Vertebrates explores the reasons why this behaviour has evolved and what factors contribute to it.

Download or read book National Parks System Plan written by Max Finkelstein and published by [Hull, Quebec] : Environment Canada, Parks Service. This book was released on 1990 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A status report of the National Park System in each of Canada's 39 National Park Natural Regions, containing information on geography, vegetation, wildlife, photographs, descriptions and maps.

Download or read book Honoring Our Elders written by William W. Fitzhugh and published by Washington, D.C. : Arctic Studies Center, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. This book was released on 2002 with total page 340 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Nondestructive Biomarkers in Vertebrates written by Cristina Fossi and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2020-01-29 with total page 378 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nondestructive Biomarkers in Vertebrates presents an innovative approach for hazard assessment in vertebrates based on nondestructive rather than destructive methods. The book reviews the state of the art and defines the development and validation procedure of this new strategy. Biological materials, such as blood samples, epithelial tissue, eggs, feathers, and feces that can be obtained without stress or damage to the animal are suggested. Certain traditional studies (blood esterases, blood chemistry, mixed function oxidases, porphyrins, DNA damage, and cytological changes) can be performed on these specimens, along with new tests requiring only very small samples. This approach is developed to benefit protected, threatened species whose existence cannot be further jeopardized by the use of destructive methods. This volume will be particularly useful to ecotoxicologists, wildlife protection personnel, environmental consultants, and conservationist organizations.

Download or read book A Little Less Arctic written by Steven H. Ferguson and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2010-05-30 with total page 313 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Arctic Canada, Hudson Bay is a site of great exploration history, aboriginal culture, and a vast marine wilderness supporting large populations of marine mammals and birds. These include some of the most iconic Arctic animals like beluga, narwhal, bowhead whales, and polar bears. Due to the challenges of conducting field research in this region, some of the mysteries of where these animals move, and how they are able to survive in such seemingly inhospitable, ice-choked habitats are just now being unlocked. For example, are polar bears being replaced by killer whales? This new information could not be more salient, as the Hudson Bay Region is undergoing rapid environmental change due to global warming, as well as increased pressures from industrial development interests. A Little Less Arctic brings together some of the world’s leading Arctic scientists to present the current state of knowledge on the physical and biological characteristics of Hudson Bay.

Download or read book Introduction To Environmental Impact Assessment written by John Glasson and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2005-09-30 with total page 583 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: First Published in 1994. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Download or read book Review of Small Cetaceans written by Boris M. Culik and published by United Nations Environment Programme. This book was released on 2004 with total page 360 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This publication sets out the available information for the 72 species of odontocete cetaceans (toothed whales) which includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. Details are given on the distribution, population, biology and behaviour, migration patterns and risk factors for each species, with colour illustrations, maps and references to further information.

Download or read book Gillnets and Cetaceans written by William F. Perrin and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 648 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Biology of Marine Mammals written by John E. Reynolds and published by Smithsonian Institution. This book was released on 1999-09-17 with total page 589 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Taking an integrated approach to the biology of marine carnivores, cetaceans, and sirenians, twenty-two prominent researchers compare marine mammals with one another and with terrestrial mammals, providing a framework for fundamental biological and ecological concepts. They describe functional morphology, sensory systems, energetics, reproduction, communication and cognition, behavior, distribution, population biology, and feeding ecology. They also detail the physiological adaptations—for such activities and processes as diving, thermo-regulation, osmoregulation, and orientation—that enable marine mammals to exploit their aquatic environment.

Download or read book Marine Mammals written by Annalisa Berta and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2005-12-14 with total page 575 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Berta and Sumich have succeeded yet again in creating superior marine reading! This book is a succinct yet comprehensive text devoted to the systematics, evolution, morphology, ecology, physiology, and behavior of marine mammals. The first edition, considered the leading text in the field, is required reading for all marine biologists concerned with marine mammals. Revisions include updates of citations, expansion of nearly every chapter and full color photographs. This title continues the tradition by fully expanding and updating nearly all chapters. Comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of the biology of all marine mammals Provides a phylogenetic framework that integrates phylogeny with behavior and ecology Features chapter summaries, further readings, an appendix, glossary and an extensive bibliography Exciting new color photographs and additional distribution maps

Download or read book Marine Mammals and Noise written by W. John Richardson and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2013-10-22 with total page 593 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many marine mammals communicate by emitting sounds that pass through water. Such sounds can be received across great distances and can influence the behavior of these undersea creatures. In the past few decades, the oceans have become increasingly noisy, as underwater sounds from propellers, sonars, and other human activities make it difficult for marine mammals to communicate. This book discusses, among many other topics, just how well marine mammals hear, how noisy the oceans have become, and what effects these new sounds have on marine mammals. The baseline of ambient noise, the sounds produced by machines and mammals, the sensitivity of marine mammal hearing, and the reactions of marine mammals are also examined. An essential addition to any marine biologist's library, Marine Mammals and Noise will be especially appealing to marine mammalogists, researchers, policy makers and regulators, and marine biologists and oceanographers using sound in their research.