Research

Under the direction of behavioural

biologist, Toni G. Frohoff, Ph.D., the Whale Stewardship Project’s (WSP) studies of the occurrence and behaviour of solitary sociable beluga whales are the first in the world for this species.

 

The WSP has developed a behavioural catalogue and has completed a

combination of qualitative and

quantitative analysis of hundreds of hours of video-taped data. The data is collected opportunistically from research boats and from shore by Project Director Cathy Kinsman and her assistants and includes both above-water and

underwater observation.

We have found that the interactive     behaviours of these animals with

humans, boats and other objects are complex and numerous. These

interactions include: exploration;

tactile, acoustic and visual interaction; play and other affiliative behaviours; postural and vocal mimicry; and

agonistic behaviours ranging from submission to aggression.

Our research has been presented at several major

international conferences on marine mammals including the

Smithsonian Institute and at the International Whaling

Commission Subcommittee on Whale Watching. We are

always adding to the expanding list of featured works and

publications for both scientific and popular audiences.

In the future we hope to not only continue our

ground-breaking behavioural studies but also to expand

our research to include cognitive ethology and acoustics.

Please see How You Can Help. 

The WSP recognizes the privilege and exceptional opportunity these belugas present for studyinging whales in the wild.