Hey Earth Rangers! It’s Patrick, and I’m super excited to share an update from my Arctic field season. This new project is all about understanding changes in the ocean — and why they matter for beluga whale conservation.
Last August, I headed north to Nunavut for my annual trip to the field. It was filled with unforgettable moments, including being surrounded by curious narwhal while we were out on the water collecting samples! I also took a helicopter ride to Coburg Island, a protected bird sanctuary that’s home to thousands of seabirds, including the most northern known puffin colony in Canada!
Check out some photos of animals I took along the way:
Our research takes place in close collaboration with the community of Grise Fiord. Together, we study the waters of Jones Sound, collecting ocean samples and running experiments to better understand how climate change is affecting the Arctic Ocean. This season, we focused on phytoplankton, which are tiny, plant-like organisms that float in the ocean. Even though they’re microscopic, phytoplankton are the base of the entire marine food web!
As the Arctic warms, scientists have noticed that different types of phytoplankton are starting to appear. In some places, there has been an increase in natural toxins called phycotoxins, which are produced by certain kinds of phytoplankton. These toxins can build up in marine animals and may affect the health of wildlife and even people if levels become too high!
Why does this matter? Well, beluga whales rely on a healthy Arctic food web. If warming waters change the tiniest organisms in the ocean, those changes can ripple all the way up to the whales. By studying these early warning signs, we can better understand how to protect belugas and the Arctic ecosystems they call home.
Every discovery brings us one step closer to keeping the Arctic ocean healthy for belugas and for future generations!
Want to help protect these amazing Arctic whales? Head to the Adoptions section in the App or visit the Earth Rangers EStore to get your own Beluga Whale Adoption Kit and help support conservation efforts for these awesome animals!