The annual migration of beluga whales, called qilalugaq in Inuvialuktun, presents an important opportunity for subsistence harvesting by the Inuvialuit of the western Canadian Arctic, and for collaborative study on how environmental change may impact this species, plus unique insight for research and co-management.

About Sonja:

Sonja Ostertag grew up in Owen Sound, Ontario where she attended Victoria Public School, Hillcrest Elementary School and West Hill Secondary School. Sonja was drawn to environmental sciences from a young age and began her studies in Montreal at McGill University’s School of Environment, with a focus on the intersection between environmental and human health. Following a semester abroad in Panama, Sonja began her Masters of Science at McGill University and then continued her toxicology studies during her PhD at the University of Northern BC in Prince George, BC. In 2013, Sonja relocated to Winnipeg, MB for her postdoctoral fellowship on beluga whales at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Sonja now lives in Owen Sound where she is raising her family and continuing her postdoctoral research remotely.