Beluga Whale Seasonal Distribution in St. Lawrence Estuary

Seasonal distribution data for the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga whale population (Delphinapterus leucas). Summer distribution is based on surveys from late August to early September, while fall and winter distributions are derived from aerial surveys conducted from October to March 1989-1990. Spring distribution is based on anecdotal reports and two aerial surveys from April and June 1990.

Use Cases

• Analyze seasonal distribution patterns in relation to sea ice cover, predation risk, and food availability factors mentioned in the description.
• Model habitat use by integrating this general distribution layer with the separate critical habitat data layer for the Saguenay River and St. Lawrence Estuary.
• Study potential changes in distribution due to sexual segregation, which is noted as not accounted for in this dataset.

Strengths

• Data is based on multiple survey methods, including aerial surveys conducted over specific seasons.
• Provides seasonal breakdowns (summer, fall, winter, spring) for distribution analysis.
• References a specific scientific advisory document (DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec., Res. Doc. 2009/098) as the data source.

Limitations

• Spring distribution data is partially based on anecdotal reports, which may be less reliable than systematic surveys.
• The dataset does not account for sexual segregation between male and female belugas, a noted biological factor.
• Core data collection occurred in 1989-1990, which may not reflect current distribution patterns.

Provenance

Source

Mosnier, A., Lesage, V., Gosselin, J.-F., et al. 2010. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec., Res. Doc. 2009/098.

Collection Method

Aerial surveys and field surveys conducted seasonally; spring data includes anecdotal reports.

Time Range

Surveys conducted from late August 1989 to early June 1990.

Freshness

Metadata was last updated in March 2026, but the underlying observational data is from 1989-1990.

Geography

St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada.