STATUS OF THE BELUGAS, DELPHINAPTERUS-LEUCAS, OF SOUTHEAST BAFFIN-ISLAND, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

The Southeast Baffin Island Beluga population ranges from Cumberland Sound to the eastern portion of Hudson Strait. Belugas from this population show morphometric differences when compared with Belugas from neighbouring populations. Also, they have declined considerably in numbers as a result of commerical hunting. Therefore, it is thought that they constitute a separate genetic stock. The annual quota of 40 which limits the catch of Belugas inside Cumberland Sound is now thought to be excessive. There are presently no limits on the number of Belugas caught outside of Cumberland Sound and recent information suggests that the stock is also hunted in Frobisher Bay and Lake Harbour. The current annual removals by hunting cannot be sustained by the stock, estimated in 1986 at less than 500, and the stock is thought to be declining. Unless protected, it runs the risk of being eradicated within the next decade. Therefore, it is recommended that the southeast Baffin Beluga stock be considered Endangered.