Numbers and distribution of beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas, in James Bay, eastern Hudson Bay, and Ungava Bay in Canada during the summer of 1993

Aerial surveys were flown in summer 1993 over offshore areas of James Bay, eastern Hudson Bay, and Ungava Bay to assess beluga whale stocks. Estimates of detectable beluga whales were 3141 in James Bay and 1014 in eastern Hudson Bay. Another 115-148 were seen near the coast of eastern Hudson Bay during the coastal survey. The James Bay estimate was about three times estimates made in 1985, possibly because of lower ice cover in the later survey. Estimates from 1993 and 1985 in eastern Hudson Bay were similar. No belugas were seen in Ungava Bay, but were visible off-transect and on coastal flights. The largest group observed had about 20 individuals. The efficiency of this sampling effort is discussed.