Challenge 2:
Protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity

Understand the effects of multiple stressors on ocean ecosystems, and develop solutions to monitor, protect, manage and restore ecosystems and their biodiversity under changing environmental, social and climate conditions.

Standing out among whales for their pearly colour, belugas have been nicknamed “the canaries of the sea” because they produce chirps, pops, whistles and squeals to communicate with one another. Their migrations are influenced by Arctic sea ice: when it forms in the fall, they move towards the Eastern Beaufort Sea; when the ice breaks up in the spring, they return to feed in the waters closer to Greenland. Belugas are very social animals and live together in groups of family and friends. Sea ice shrinkage due to global warming is bringing increased human activity to Arctic waters, making the ocean noisier and affecting belugas’ ability to communicate, navigate, find food and breed.