Research vessel VNIRO will take on Board a group of belugas from the Middle Bay.
The animals are planned to be delivered to the Sakhalin Gulf to the coast of the Khabarovsk territory in the area where Beluga whales and killer whales were previously released as part of the measures for the readaptation and release of marine mammals into the natural environment. The road from the Bay to the place of release will take about three days.
Changing the way transportation and release of animals was caused by the flood in the Amur river, the deteriorating state of the roads in Khabarovsk territory due to heavy rains and the closure of some areas after flooding them, not allowing them to carry well-established pattern "of vehicles/ship/road transport". Because of this, the beginning of the next operation for the release of animals had to be constantly postponed.
"Science has already had a successful experience the release of animals from the vessel, – said the Deputy Director Russian Federal research Institute of fisheries and Oceanography – head of the Pacific branch of VNIRO Alexey Baitalyk. – We expect that the whole process will be successful and no weather conditions will interfere with us. Transportation of animals will begin in the near future."
Special baths are prepared for belugas, in which they will feel comfortable throughout the route. The animals will be accompanied by specialists of the Pacific branch of VNIRO and veterinarians who will monitor their health.
VNIRO Press Service
