No description available.

Beluga whales in Canadian waters are subdivided into at least six genetically distinct stocks maintained by geographic separation and philopatry to estuaries in summer. Belugas in eastern and western Hudson Bay have previously been shown to be compose genetically distinct populations using mitochondrial restriction analysis. It is not known whether these stocks are further subdivided on the basis of specific estuarine use. Mitochondrial DNA control region sequences were used to investigate variation among belugas sampled at several sites along eastern Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait and Ungava Bay. 320 bp were sequenced, including the highly variable 5' region of control region, in 126 belugas. 17 variable sites and 17 haplotypes, which clustered into 2 related groups, were detected among the whales sequenced. Haplotypes of group A were found mostly in eastern Hudson Bay sites, while B group haplotypes were predominant in northern populations. Significant differences in frequencies of haplotype groups were found between eastern Hudson Bay and Southern Hudson Strait/Ungava Bay populations, indicating they are genetically distinct populations. Haplotype distribution patterns also suggested possible differences between belugas using different estuaries along eastern Hudson Bay. The presence of both groups in each population indicated some exchange of individuals between populations, and/or between eastern and western Hudson Bay. Multilocus DNA fingerprinting was used to investigate the extent of gene flow between eastern and western Hudson Bay belugas via interbreeding on common wintering grounds in Hudson Strait. Belugas from St. Lawrence estuary and the Mackenzie Delta were also analyzed to measure their genetic relatedness to Hudson Bay whales as well as for purposes of comparison to earlier fingerprinting analyses. While results supported lower genetic diversity within the St. Lawrence population, the range of bandsharing within and between populations was otherwise low (0.09 -0.17 for Jeffreys 33.15 and 0.12-0.22 for Jeffreys 33.6). Mantel tests showed differences among St. Lawrence, Hudson Bay, and Mackenzie Delta populations, but not within Hudson Bay. The conflicting nature of the data did not allow conclusions regarding gene flow. Therefore, DNA fingerprinting was not considered to have provided sufficient resolution in addressing this issue. / Thesis / Master of Science (MS)

The endangered St. Lawrence beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) population is not recovering from severe depletion despite its protected status over the past 20 years. DNA fingerprinting analysis of St. Lawrence beluga whales with three minisatellite probes (Jeffreys 33.6, 33.15 and Ml3) indicate a reduced level of genetic variability compared to Mackenzie Delta animals. The average band-sharing between individuals of the St. Lawrence beluga population for the three probes (0.534, 0.573, 0.478) was significantly higher than the average band-sharing of the Mackenzie Delta beluga population for the same probes (0.343, 0.424, 0.314). Higher levels of mean homozygosity in the isolated St. Lawrence belugas (0.33 vs 0.21) as well as a high degree of relatedness suggest that this population is inbred and that inbreeding depression is a factor in the lack of recovery of the St. Lawrence beluga population. Because sampling of some beluga populations may be biased, there is the need of alternative sampling procedures such as biopsy darting. To evaluate the impact of biopsy darting on beluga whales, different combinations of dart and stop sizes were tested on fresh beluga carcasses and the effect of different factors on the success of retrieval and the extent of wounding were evaluated. Tips with smaller diameters were more likely to retrieve a sample than those with larger diameters (p <0.05) and longer tips were also more likely to retrieve a sample than shorter tips (p < 0.10). The force of impact, a function of draw weight and distance, had a significant effect on the severity of wounding (p<0.05). The samples obtained from all biopsy darts tested yielded sufficient amounts of DNA for genetic analysis. / Thesis / Master of Science (MS)

Vertebrate evolution has resulted in a diversity of feeding mechanisms. Cetaceans are secondarily derived tetrapods that have returned to a marine habitat. As a result, they display feeding modes that have converged with more basal aquatic vertebrates, but display a diversity of new solutions and adaptations. To begin to explore the diversity of feeding adaptations among odontocetes, kinematics of feeding modes and feeding adaptations for belugas (Delphinapterus leucas), Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), and long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) were characterized. In addition, direct measurements of intraoral pressure were collected to determine maximum suction performance. Characters from these analyses were combined with data for other odontocetes, and were mapped onto a phylogeny of Odontoceti to begin to explore where changes in feeding modes took place. Feeding modes were diverse in belugas, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and pilot whales and included suction, ram, and a combination of both. In general, four phases were observed: (I) preparatory, (II) jaw opening, (III) gular depression, and (IV) jaw closing. Suction was a large component of the prey capture method in belugas and subambient pressures in excess of 100 kPa were generated. Belugas were also capable of lateral lip gape occlusion and anterior lip pursing to form a small anterior aperture. Pacific whitesided dolphins relied on ram to capture prey. However, some degree of pursing and resultant subambient pressure was observed that was likely used to compensate for high ram speeds or for prey manipulation and transport to the esophagus. Pilot whales were more similar to belugas in kinematics, but maintained high approach velocities and did not generate significant suction pressures; suction and ram were used in combination. Belugas and pilot whales appeared to employ hyolingual depression as a primary suction generation mechanism, whereas Pacific white-sided dolphins relied on fast jaw opening. Ancestral state reconstructions indicated that suction feeding capability evolved independently at least six times within Odontoceti. These results indicate the diversity of feeding behaviors in odontocetes and provide directives for future studies on the diversity of feeding in secondarily aquatic mammals.

This thesis investigates the foraging of Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) and its predators during the summer in the Canadian Arctic. Findings included the identification of Arctic cod, ringed seal (Pusa hispida), beluga (Delphinapterus leucas), and narwhal (Monodon monoceros) diet shifts in response to seasonal prey availability; calculation of isotopic diet-tissue discrimination factors for Arctic cod, ringed seals, and whales based on local tissue and stomach content sampling; and determination of predatory cues to optimize foraging, such as the presence of schools. Additionally, I quantified seabird feeding and interspecific interactions such kleptoparasitism and found that black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) and northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) captured cod directly but lost many to parasitic jaegers (Stercorarius parasiticus) and glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus). Finally, I determined that schools of cod were important prey sources for northern fulmars, glaucous gulls, and whales however non-schooling cod were a significant source for black-legged kittiwakes and ringed seals.

This thesis investigates the foraging of Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) and its predators during the summer in the Canadian Arctic. Findings included the identification of Arctic cod, ringed seal (Pusa hispida), beluga (Delphinapterus leucas), and narwhal (Monodon monoceros) diet shifts in response to seasonal prey availability; calculation of isotopic diet-tissue discrimination factors for Arctic cod, ringed seals, and whales based on local tissue and stomach content sampling; and determination of predatory cues to optimize foraging, such as the presence of schools. Additionally, I quantified seabird feeding and interspecific interactions such kleptoparasitism and found that black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) and northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) captured cod directly but lost many to parasitic jaegers (Stercorarius parasiticus) and glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus). Finally, I determined that schools of cod were important prey sources for northern fulmars, glaucous gulls, and whales however non-schooling cod were a significant source for black-legged kittiwakes and ringed seals.

An animal’s foraging ecology can vary over a range of temporal scales, mirroring seasonal and longer term changes in prey availability, as well as ontogenetic shifts in diet and distribution. Obtaining individual-based, longitudinal diet information through direct observation, however, is logistically challenging for marine mammals that pursue and consume prey underwater, and are often widely distributed. Isotopic profiling along continuously growing tissues like teeth and baleen, which archive dietary inputs at the time of growth in their stable isotope composition, allows for chronological dietary reconstructions over multi-year timespans. This thesis reports longitudinal diet studies of three Arctic whale species, killer whales (Orcinus orca), bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) and beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), derived from serial isotopic measurements along teeth and baleen. Study objectives varied by species, but general goals were to characterize seasonal, ontogenetic, and/or individual diet variation. Results revealed similar trophic-level diet, but regional spatial separation, among eastern Canadian Arctic/Northwest Atlantic killer whales. However, isotope and tooth wear differences between two individuals and the rest of the sampled whales suggested potential specialisation on sharks, while the other whales likely had diets comprising marine mammals. Cyclic isotopic variation along Eastern Canada-West Greenland bowhead whale baleen was consistent with year-round foraging, although at a reduced rate during winter. Resting zooplankton could be an important food resource outside of periods of peak productivity, and accessibility likely drives winter habitat selection. Isotopic cycling did not differ between female and male bowheads, or among age classes, indicating similar seasonal foraging patterns despite reported spatial segregation throughout their summer range. Individual beluga whales from three eastern Canadian Arctic populations varied in timing of ontogenetic diet shifts (i.e. weaning age), as well as overall trophic position, which could reflect size-specific energetic requirements and foraging capabilities. Population-specific beluga whale diet trends over a period of several decades likely reflected climate-related expansions of southern forage fish. Collectively, findings of seasonal, ontogenetic, and/or individual diet variation contribute a greater understanding of intrapopulation variation in foraging ecology of these species, and of large-scale structuring of Arctic marine ecosystems.

L’évaluation de la condition corporelle des carcasses des bélugas du Saint-Laurent contribue au diagnostic de cause de mortalité du pathologiste. La méthode actuelle repose sur une évaluation visuelle subjective. Notre projet visait à chercher un outil objectif d’évaluation de la condition corporelle. L’indice de masse mise à l’échelle (M̂ i) est objectif puisqu’il est calculé à partir de la masse et de la taille de chaque individu. M̂ i doit être calculé avec des constantes différentes pour les bélugas mesurant plus ou moins de 290 cm. Il produit des résultats en accord avec l’évaluation visuelle. Comme il est parfois logistiquement impossible de peser un béluga, nous avons évalué des indices basés sur d’autres mesures morphométriques. Les indices basés sur la circonférence à hauteur de l’anus pour les bélugas de moins de 290 cm et la circonférence maximale pour ceux de plus de 290 cm représentent des indices de condition corporelle alternatifs intéressants. / Evaluation of the body condition of beluga carcasses from the Estuary of the St. Lawrence contributes to the diagnosis of the cause of death by the pathologist. The current method relies on a subjective visual evaluation. Our project aimed at developing an objective tool for the evaluation of body condition. The Scaled Mass Index (M̂ i) is an objective figure since it is obtained from individual masses and lengths. M̂ i has to be calculated with different constants for belugas under and above a length of 290 cm. M̂ i yielded results consistent with visual evaluation. Since weighing belugas can be logistically impossible, we evaluated indices based on several other morphometric measurements. Indices based on girth at the level of the anus and maximal girth for animals under and above 290 cm, respectively, were deemed useful as alternative body condition indices.

Le béluga du Saint-Laurent est une espèce menacée au Canada et protégée par la Loi sur les espèces en péril du Canada. La détermination des fonctions biologiques de ses habitats essentiels est nécessaire afin d’assurer le rétablissement de la population. Parcs Canada a entamé en 2009 un suivi des proies du béluga dans deux de ses aires de fréquentation intensive situées dans le Parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent : l’embouchure de la rivière Saguenay et la baie Sainte-Marguerite. L’étude de l’abondance et de la distribution des proies est réalisée par sondage hydroacoustique le long de transects à l’aide d’un échosondeur multifréquences. Un protocole d’observations systématiques du béluga est mené simultanément aux sondages hydroacoustiques à partir de sites terrestres. Le premier objectif de cette étude est de développer la méthodologie concernant le traitement, la classification et la cartographie des données hydroacoustiques échantillonnées. L’objectif principal consiste à déterminer si l’abondance et la distribution des proies pélagiques ont une influence sur l’utilisation de ces deux habitats par le béluga. La cartographie de la biomasse relative de poissons a été réalisée pour la couche de surface, la couche en profondeur et pour l’ensemble de la colonne d’eau par krigeage ordinaire pour les deux habitats pour les 29 transects. À la baie Sainte-Marguerite, le nombre de bélugas observés augmente avec la biomasse relative des proies en surface et en profondeur. À l’embouchure de la rivière Saguenay, les résultats n’ont pas été concluants. Les résultats suggèrent que l’alimentation pourrait être l’une des fonctions biologiques de la baie Sainte-Marguerite. / The St. Lawrence beluga is a threatened species in Canada and protected by the Species at Risk Act in Canada. Determining the biological functions of its critical habitat is needed to ensure the recovery of the population. Parks Canada began in 2009 a monitoring of beluga preys in two of its areas of intensive use located in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park: the Saguenay River mouth and the Sainte-Marguerite bay. The study of the abundance and distribution of prey is achieved by hydroacoustic survey along transects using a multifrequency echo sounder. A systematic observation protocol of the beluga is conducted simultaneously with hydroacoustic surveys from land-based stations. The first objective of this study is to develop the methodology for the processing, classification and mapping of these hydroacoustic data. The main objective is to determine whether the abundance and distribution of pelagic prey influence the use of these two habitats by beluga. The mapping of the fish relative biomass was conducted for the surface layer, the depth layer and the entire water column by ordinary kriging for the two habitats for the 29 transects. At Sainte-Marguerite bay, the number of whales observed increases with fish relative biomass in the surface and deep layers. At the Saguenay River mouth, the results are not conclusive. The results suggest that feeding may be one of the biological functions of the Sainte-Marguerite bay.

Le béluga du Saint-Laurent est une espèce menacée au Canada et protégée par la Loi sur les espèces en péril du Canada. La détermination des fonctions biologiques de ses habitats essentiels est nécessaire afin d’assurer le rétablissement de la population. Parcs Canada a entamé en 2009 un suivi des proies du béluga dans deux de ses aires de fréquentation intensive situées dans le Parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent : l’embouchure de la rivière Saguenay et la baie Sainte-Marguerite. L’étude de l’abondance et de la distribution des proies est réalisée par sondage hydroacoustique le long de transects à l’aide d’un échosondeur multifréquences. Un protocole d’observations systématiques du béluga est mené simultanément aux sondages hydroacoustiques à partir de sites terrestres. Le premier objectif de cette étude est de développer la méthodologie concernant le traitement, la classification et la cartographie des données hydroacoustiques échantillonnées. L’objectif principal consiste à déterminer si l’abondance et la distribution des proies pélagiques ont une influence sur l’utilisation de ces deux habitats par le béluga. La cartographie de la biomasse relative de poissons a été réalisée pour la couche de surface, la couche en profondeur et pour l’ensemble de la colonne d’eau par krigeage ordinaire pour les deux habitats pour les 29 transects. À la baie Sainte-Marguerite, le nombre de bélugas observés augmente avec la biomasse relative des proies en surface et en profondeur. À l’embouchure de la rivière Saguenay, les résultats n’ont pas été concluants. Les résultats suggèrent que l’alimentation pourrait être l’une des fonctions biologiques de la baie Sainte-Marguerite. / The St. Lawrence beluga is a threatened species in Canada and protected by the Species at Risk Act in Canada. Determining the biological functions of its critical habitat is needed to ensure the recovery of the population. Parks Canada began in 2009 a monitoring of beluga preys in two of its areas of intensive use located in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park: the Saguenay River mouth and the Sainte-Marguerite bay. The study of the abundance and distribution of prey is achieved by hydroacoustic survey along transects using a multifrequency echo sounder. A systematic observation protocol of the beluga is conducted simultaneously with hydroacoustic surveys from land-based stations. The first objective of this study is to develop the methodology for the processing, classification and mapping of these hydroacoustic data. The main objective is to determine whether the abundance and distribution of pelagic prey influence the use of these two habitats by beluga. The mapping of the fish relative biomass was conducted for the surface layer, the depth layer and the entire water column by ordinary kriging for the two habitats for the 29 transects. At Sainte-Marguerite bay, the number of whales observed increases with fish relative biomass in the surface and deep layers. At the Saguenay River mouth, the results are not conclusive. The results suggest that feeding may be one of the biological functions of the Sainte-Marguerite bay.