Marine Life of Nunavut

The Arctic waters surrounding Nunavut teem with remarkable marine mammals, from the mythical narwhal to the recovering bowhead whale.

Narwhal

Qilalugaq tuugaalik

Monodon monoceros

Least Concern

Known as the "unicorn of the sea," narwhals are one of the most elusive Arctic whales. Their spiral tusk is actually an elongated tooth that can grow up to 3 meters long. Nunavut waters contain approximately 80% of the world's narwhal population.

Habitat

Arctic waters, pack ice, and deep fjords

Diet

Arctic cod, Greenland halibut, squid, and shrimp

Population

~161,000+ (Northern Hudson Bay & Baffin Bay)

Trend

Stable - no evidence of decline

Verified Sources

COSEWIC Narwhal Assessment (2024) — Not At Risk (May 2024)
DFO Stock Assessment (2020) — Northern Hudson Bay population: 19,200
IUCN Red List — Global: Least Concern

Key Facts

The tusk is actually a left canine tooth with up to 10 million nerve endings
Can dive to depths exceeding 1,500 meters
Live in pods of 15-20 individuals, sometimes gathering in hundreds
Current hunting levels considered sustainable by COSEWIC

Beluga Whale

Qilalugaq

Delphinapterus leucas

Varies by population

Belugas are highly social whales known for their white coloration and wide range of vocalizations, earning them the nickname "canaries of the sea." Some Canadian populations face significant threats.

Habitat

Coastal Arctic waters, estuaries, and river mouths

Diet

Fish, squid, crustaceans, and marine worms

Population

Eastern Hudson Bay: 2,900-3,200 (declining)

Trend

Declining in Eastern Hudson Bay

Verified Sources

DFO Stock Assessment (2024) — Continuous decline since 1970s
COSEWIC (2020) — Eastern Hudson Bay: Threatened; Ungava Bay: Endangered
IUCN Red List — Global: Least Concern

Key Facts

Born grey or brown, turning white between 5-12 years old
Can produce a variety of clicks, whistles, and clangs
Have flexible necks allowing them to turn their heads
No large aggregations seen in southern Ungava Bay for 40 years

Bowhead Whale

Arviq

Balaena mysticetus

Least Concern (globally)

Bowhead whales are the longest-lived mammals on Earth, with some individuals living over 200 years. They were severely depleted by commercial whaling but populations are now recovering.

Habitat

Arctic and subarctic waters, near pack ice edges

Diet

Zooplankton, copepods, and small crustaceans

Population

~24,000 globally; E. Canada-W. Greenland: ~6,400

Trend

Increasing

Verified Sources

WWF Canada Fact Sheet — Population recovery overview
COSEWIC Status Report (2005) — Hudson Bay-Foxe Basin: Threatened
NOAA Arctic Report Card (2020) — Population trends and threats

Key Facts

Can live over 200 years—the longest-lived mammal
Skulls can break through 60 cm of ice
Historically numbered ~50,000 before commercial whaling
Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort population: ~16,800 individuals

Atlantic Walrus

Aiviq

Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus

Special Concern

The walrus is an iconic Arctic marine mammal known for its prominent tusks and whiskers. The Nova Scotia-Newfoundland-Gulf of St. Lawrence population was hunted to extinction by 1850.

Habitat

Shallow coastal waters, sea ice, and haul-out sites

Diet

Clams, mussels, snails, and other benthic invertebrates

Population

High Arctic & Central-Low Arctic populations

Trend

Varies by population

Verified Sources

COSEWIC Atlantic Walrus (2017) — High Arctic & Central-Low Arctic: Special Concern
Species at Risk Consultation (2024) — Current consultation on listing
IUCN Red List (2023) — Global: Near Threatened

Key Facts

Tusks can grow up to 1 meter long in males
NS-Newfoundland-Gulf population extinct since 1850
Use sensitive whiskers to detect shellfish on the ocean floor
Males can weigh up to 1,700 kg

Ringed Seal

Natsiq

Pusa hispida

Vulnerable (IUCN 2024)

Ringed seals are the most abundant Arctic seal and the primary prey of polar bears. The 2024 IUCN assessment upgraded their status to Vulnerable due to climate change impacts on sea ice.

Habitat

Sea ice, coastal waters, and ice-covered lakes

Diet

Arctic cod, crustaceans, and zooplankton

Population

Millions worldwide

Trend

Vulnerable to sea ice loss

Verified Sources

IUCN Red List (2024) — Vulnerable (A3c) - climate change threat
COSEWIC Ringed Seal (2019) — Special Concern
SARA Consultation (2023) — Listing consultation

Key Facts

Smallest and most common Arctic seal
Create and maintain breathing holes in sea ice
Build snow lairs above breathing holes to protect pups
IUCN status upgraded to Vulnerable in 2024 due to climate impacts

Bearded Seal

Ugjuk

Erignathus barbatus

Least Concern

The bearded seal is the largest Arctic seal, named for its prominent whiskers. Their eerie underwater songs can be heard for kilometers and play a role in mating rituals.

Habitat

Shallow Arctic waters and sea ice

Diet

Clams, crabs, shrimp, and bottom-dwelling fish

Population

~500,000 worldwide

Trend

Unknown

Verified Sources

IUCN Red List — Global: Least Concern
NOAA Fisheries — Species profile and management
NAMMCO — North Atlantic Marine Mammals Commission

Key Facts

Males produce haunting underwater songs during mating season
Whiskers are highly sensitive for finding food on the seafloor
Skin is traditionally prized for boot soles and rope
Can weigh up to 400 kg

Land Animals Birds