Beluga Whales on Somerset Island: Majestic Fluke at Cunningham Inlet (00020350)
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Description: The Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) mesmerizes with its impressive fluke. At Cunningham Inlet on Somerset Island, thousands of these captivating creatures gather annually in July and August. Beluga whales can reach lengths of up to six meters and weigh up to 1,000 kilograms. Their bluish-white to creamy skin color and lack of a dorsal fin make them truly unique. Juveniles are often brown, gray, or bluish. Formerly dubbed the "canaries of the sea" by sailors, Beluga whales are known for their distinct vocalizations that carry through the ocean. Today, more whales and dolphins perish as bycatch in fishing nets than through commercial whaling.
Location: Nothwest Territories, Somerset Island, Canada
Date of Capture: 20.07.1996