Summer distribution of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in the Sea of Okhotsk

In the 20 th century, this species was hunted intensively by commercial whalers.The first scientific data on distribution, abundance, migration and seasonal movements in the Sea of Okhotsk were collected during this period of commercial whaling (1930-60s).However, no comprehensive data on distribution were obtained because research primarily focused on areas accessible to commercial whalers.Beginning in the early 1970s, scientific studies focused on beluga whale abundance and distribution in the Sea of Okhotsk were conducted during ship-based and aerial surveys.These