411 Dive Log Australasia April 2025

estuaries and coastal areas, where the shallow waters offer a safe refuge for calving. Yet not all belugas follow this pattern—some populations are known to remain in the same region year round, adapting to their specific environmental conditions. Their diet is as diverse as their habitat. From fish such as cod, salmon, and halibut to invertebrates like shrimp, squid, clams, and crabs, belugas are opportunistic feeders, adjusting their menu according to location and season. Today, the global beluga population is estimated at around 200,000 individuals, primarily inhabiting

the Arctic Ocean and surrounding seas near North America, Russia, and Greenland. There are estimated to be around 3000 Belugas in the icy waters of the Churchill River estuary. Their presence is a testament to the region’s significance as a sanctuary for the world’s most substantial beluga population. However poor water clarity can make it challenging to estimate their actual numbers. This factor also makes it difficult to get good images of them. Belugas, with their impressive stature reaching up to 4.5 meters in length and a mass nearing 1900 kilograms, navigate their chilly domain with grace. Their longevity, speculated to span

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