Soudain, ils sont cinq, six à entourer la planche de paddle, ils plongent d’un côté pour ressortir de l’autre, sous la surface deux petits yeux et comme un immense sourire: tous les étés, quelque 55.000 bélugas migrent des eaux arctiques vers la baie d’Hudson, au Canada.
Loin de la Seine où un béluga s’est égaré début août au nord de Paris, cet estuaire canadien permet à ces petites baleines blanches, qui se déplacent en banc, de mettre bas dans ces eaux relativement plus chaudes et abritées.
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A group of belugas whale swim and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale (L) escapes from a polar bear hunting in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Polar bears wait to hunt beluga whales in Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 5, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale swims early morning in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 5, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale swims and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are pictured underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This photograph taken on August 11, 2022, shows a mural by artist Charlie Johnson depicting beluga whales and an indigenous woman on the side of a building in Churchill, northern Canada. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION – TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION
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A group of beluga whales swim in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A group of beluga whales swim and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 5, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 5, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale is photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A polar bear eats the remains of a beluga whale on an island outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 4, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale swims in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada early August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A group of beluga whales swim and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A group of beluga whales swim and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A group of beluga whales swim and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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béluga
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A beluga whale is photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 5, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale swims in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale swims in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A group of beluga whales swim and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are pphotographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale is photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 5, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A group of belugas whale swim and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale (L) escapes from a polar bear hunting in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Polar bears wait to hunt beluga whales in Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 5, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale swims early morning in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 5, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale swims and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are pictured underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This photograph taken on August 11, 2022, shows a mural by artist Charlie Johnson depicting beluga whales and an indigenous woman on the side of a building in Churchill, northern Canada. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION – TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION
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A group of beluga whales swim in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A group of beluga whales swim and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 5, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 5, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale is photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A polar bear eats the remains of a beluga whale on an island outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 4, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale swims in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada early August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A group of beluga whales swim and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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This aerial view shows beluga whales feeding in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 6, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A group of beluga whales swim and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A group of beluga whales swim and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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béluga
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A beluga whale is photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 5, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale swims in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale swims in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A group of beluga whales swim and feed in Hudson Bay, outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 9, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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Beluga whales are pphotographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 8, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
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A beluga whale is photographed underwater in the murky waters of the Churchill River near Hudson Bay outside Churchill, northern Canada on August 5, 2022. – Under the slightly murky surface where the waters of the Churchill River meet Hudson Bay, the belugas have a great time under the amazed eye of tourists, several thousand of whom come every year to the small town of Churchill in northern Manitoba to observe them. In August, at the mouth of the Churchill River, in this area at the gateway to the Canadian Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 20°. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)
Sous la surface un peu trouble, les bélugas semblent s’amuser de la présence de la grappe de touristes venus à Churchill pour les observer. Cette petite ville de 800 habitants n’est pas facile d’accès puisque seul le train ou l’avion permettent de s’y rendre. Aucune route n’y mène.
Pendant plus de sept mois de l’année, entre novembre et juin, toute la baie est entièrement glacée. La fonte marque le retour des bélugas. L’endroit y est idéal pour eux: ils peuvent se protéger des orques, et les estuaires sont riches en nourriture.
Il est facile de distinguer les plus jeunes qui sont encore gris aux côtés des adultes qui affichent leur blancheur. Sous la surface, ils semblent tout le temps sourire.
Mais ce qui frappe surtout chez ces baleines, c’est leur communication, que l’on peut entendre depuis la surface par moments.
Hydrophone
Surnommés « canaris de la mer » en raison de la cinquantaine de vocalisations (sifflement, claquement, tintement…) qu’ils émettent, ce sont des animaux « sociaux » avec un « système de communication très complexe », raconte Valeria Vergara, qui les étudie depuis des années.
« Le béluga est une espèce centrée sur le son. C’est, pour eux, comme la vision pour nous », explique la chercheuse à la fondation Raincoast Conservation.
Tournée vers le haut-parleur de l’hydrophone, cette scientifique de 53 ans tente de faire le tri dans la multitude de sons qui remontent des profondeurs. Pour une oreille non experte, c’est un ensemble surprenant et cacophonique.
« Les bélugas doivent compter sur le son pour communiquer mais aussi se localiser, pour trouver leur chemin, de la nourriture… », ajoute celle qui a appris à reconnaitre « les cris de contact » qui servent notamment aux mères pour guider leurs petits.
Les nouveau-nés, qui mesurent 1,80 mètre et pèsent 80 kg, restent dépendants de leur mère pendant deux ans. A l’âge adulte, ce mammifère, qui évolue généralement dans les eaux glacées autour du Groenland et au nord du Canada, de la Norvège et de la Russie, peut atteindre une taille de six mètres et vit entre 40 et 60 ans.
La population de bélugas de la baie d’Hudson est la plus importante au monde. Mais la diminution des glaces en raison du changement climatique, dans une zone qui se réchauffe trois à quatre fois plus vite que le reste de la planète, est un motif d’inquiétude pour les chercheurs.
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