WSP Project Director Catherine Kinsman has identified one of the beluga whales in Ingonish Cape Breton as the same whale that was rescued on June 15th 2017 from the Nepisiguit River in northern NB. and
transported by plane back to his home in the St Lawrence River Estuary where he was released. A tag affixed to the beluga’s back transmitted satellite positions for 19 days after release. July 4th 2017 was the last time a signal was received from the Nepisiguit River beluga.
There was great concern for the young whale who’s health was failing while in the Nepisiguit River.
Though possible, no one knew for sure if he survived his ordeal until last week when Catherine was reviewing pictures and video of the two belugas in Ingonish. Catherine Kinsman said “As I looked at the video I had a feeling about the smaller gray whale... something about the look of his skin and the pattern of scars seemed familiar.”
Using her photographs and video taken during the rescue operation and doing some careful side by side comparisons Catherine was able to match several distinctive scars and conclude that this was in fact the same whale.
The Whale Stewardship Project is working closely with the community, other Marine Animal Response Network partners and DFO to develop and implement a program to protect the whales that is consistent with the new Marine Mammal regulations.
