Beluga Bits

Beluga Bits Core Research Team

Dr. Stephen Petersen, Ph.D.

Hi, I am the Director 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 and the Zoo and the beluga project is able to do that and create valuable data at the same time.

Dr. Courtney Shuert, Ph.D.

Hello! I am a Conservation Programs Manager at the Assiniboine Park Zoo and my role is to support and develop conservation programs, like Beluga Bits, for our northern and Arctic species. I focus on developing new ways to understand how stressors, like climate change, impact species and how we can use advancing technologies to reveal new information about the lives of animals when we can’t see them. I have worked on marine mammals and marine biology for over a decade in the north around the world, focusing on research in zoos and aquariums as well as in wild populations.

Kasey Ryan, Ph.D.

Hi! I am a Conservation Research Associate at Assiniboine Park Zoo, where I primarily focus on the Beluga Bits project. My research background includes using acoustics, photo-identification, and tracking the movements of beluga whales over time to help with conservation efforts of endangered populations. Having joined the project in 2023, I am excited about collaborating with community scientists and engaging about belugas and marine science.

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Beluga Bits Alumni

Adam Grottoli, MSc

C-Jae Breiter, MSc

Ashleigh Westphal, MSc

Sarah Falconer, MSc

Danielle Ince, MSc

Danielle successfully defended her MSc thesis in 2021. The purpose of her master's study was to determine the effectiveness of using underwater photos to investigate beluga whale biology and social structures in the Churchill River estuary.

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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

Each year, our Explore.org Beluga Cam team works tirelessly to help produce the best footage and experience for the Assiniboine Park Conservancy team. Their work and time are valued and appreciated. Thank you!

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 the early 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