Belugas: management of ancients in a modern world

Thursday, April 24 7 p.m. Refreshments, 7:30 p.m. Program Lecture Hall, Monterey Boatworks, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove (Across from the American Tin Cannery Outlet Stores) Speaker: Ree Brennin, Education Department, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Belugas have inhabited the Arctic for thousands of years and probably would continue to do just fine if simply left alone. However, commercial harvests in the 1800's and 1900's knocked some populations down to low numbers. Some of these dwindling populations are now threatened with modern challenges such as hydroelectric dams, shipping traffic, and industrial pollution. Yet modern technology may also offer hope in the effort to understand this species, their migratory patterns, and population structure.

In many areas, Belugas are an important food source for the Inuit people still making a living from the sea and land. Inuit hunters have worked closely with biologists to collect tissue samples for genetic analysis. A look at the mitochondrial DNA of Belugas from populations all across the Canadian Arctic has revealed some surprising results about their populations and their behavior. This talk is based upon research done by Ree for her Masters of Science in Biology at both Queen's and McMaster Universities in Canada between 1986 and 1992. It will emphasize the natural history of Belugas, the cultural heritage of the Inuit, and challenges facing Canadians today.

Ree Brennin is currently working at the Monterey Bay Aquarium teaching Volunteer Guides. She also teaches an introductory class in Marine Mammals at Monterey Peninsula College, has taught Environmental Science and Policy at Monterey Institute of International Studies, and has worked as a natural history guide for Lindblad Expeditions in Baja and Southeast Alaska.

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