Beluga Bits Core Research Team

Dr. Stephen Petersen, Ph.D.

Hi, I am the Head of Conservation and Research for Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. At our zoo, we have a strong focus on research and in particular Arctic marine mammals. We are particularly interested in the marine ecosystem around Churchill Manitoba. Engaging people in the excitement of science is also a priority are the Zoo and the beluga project is able to do that and create valuable data at the same time.

C-Jae Breiter, MSc

I am a Research Conservation Specialist at Assiniboine Park Zoo with a focus on northern ecosystems. I have been helping on this project since its inception in 2016.

Ashleigh Westphal, MSc

I am a Conservation Technician at Assiniboine Park Zoo and help on many projects including Beluga Bits. I work with a lot of the data that comes out of this project.

Sarah Falconer, MSc

I am a Conservation Technician at Assiniboine Park Zoo and will be jumping into the Beluga Bits project. I am so excited to learn more about this magnificent animal!

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Others On Board

Kieran McIver

I am the beluga boat captain with Polar Bears International since 2017. I drive the boat and work the equipment to capture the underwater live video stream each summer in the Churchill River Estuary.

Laura Burns, MSc
I am a Research Conservation Specialist at Assiniboine Park Zoo and have been assisting on this project since 2017.

Meagan Hainstock

I am one of the researchers that initiated this project in 2016 and have been studying beluga whale social systems for a number of years.

Explore org Beluga Cam Team 2021

Beluga Boat Captain: Kieran McIver and Dave Alcorn
Technical team: BJ Kirschoffer, Tim Sears

Explore org Beluga Cam Team 2020

Beluga Boat Captain: Kieran McIver and Dave Alcorn
Technical team: BJ Kirschoffer, Tim Sears

Explore org Beluga Cam Team 2018 & 2019

Beluga Boat Captain: Kieran McIver
Intern: Jurnee Bignell-Blair
Technical team: BJ Kirschoffer, Tim Sears

Explore org Beluga Cam Team 2017

Beluga Boat Captain: Kieran McIver
Technical team: BJ Kirschoffer, Tim Sears

Explore org Beluga Cam Team 2016

Beluga Boat Captain: Hayley Shephard
Interns: Aidan Power, Jurnee Bignell, Terry Simik
Technical team: BJ Kirschoffer, Tim Sears

Funding

This research could not be possible without the generous support from
Royal Bank of Canada Foundation

Calm Air

Collaborators

Assiniboine Park Conservancy
Home the Assiniboine Park Zoo and to the Conservation and Research Department.
Explore.org
Hosts the Beluga Cam where people around the world can watch beluga and take the snapshots that are used in this project.
Polar Bears International
Brings polar bears to the world through live footage each fall and helps explore.org to do the same for beluga in the summer.
Sea North Tours
Is a Churchill based ecotourism company that brings thousands of tourists to meet belugas each summer. They have also helped support the Beluga Cam and research that Stephen and Meg have conducted in past years.
Churchill Northern Studies Centre
The CNSC provides accommodations and logistical support for research based in Churchill. Their vision is to "To Understand and Sustain the North".
Frontiers North Adventures
Frontiers North Adventures is the premier provider of exciting wildlife programs in Canada's north, featuring trips to Churchill to experience polar bears and beluga whales, birds, northern lights and dog-sledding.
Parks Canada
Two amazing Canadian parks can be found near Churchill Manitoba. Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site and Wapusk National Park