January 8, 2016
Province Develops Strategy for Beluga Habitat Sustainability
The Manitoba government has developed a draft Beluga Habitat Sustainability Planfor beluga whales in Hudson Bay and northern Manitoba rivers, and is seeking public comment on the plan, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff announced today.
“We need to work together with all our partners, communities and First Nations to ensure we do all we can to protect this important habitat,” said Minister Nevakshonoff. “We want to see the population thrive and ensure future generations have a chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural environment.”
The draft plan includes the Seal, Churchill and Nelson estuaries which are heavily used by migratory belugas from the Western Hudson Bay (WHB) population. The province has been working closely with Oceans North Canada to develop the draft plan and sought input from other groups such as Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), the Town of Churchill, the Churchill Chamber of Commerce, Manitoba Hydro and Travel Manitoba.
One of the key elements of the plan is to explore protection of the Seal River ecosystem and the goal is to develop proactive ways to help ensure the sustainability of beluga habitat throughout their range, the minister said.
Belugas arrive in Manitoba’s northern estuaries along the coast of Hudson Bay around mid-June and remain until mid-September. The Churchill and Nelson rivers are known to have some of the highest concentrations of beluga whales in the world, and the surrounding area is a world-class tourist destination for watching birds, polar bears and belugas in their natural habitats.
The draft plan is available online at www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/belugahabitat.html for 60 days for public review and comment before the plan is finalized.
This strategy supports TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan, an eight-year plan that supports environmental protection while ensuring a prosperous and environmentally conscious economy.
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