Beluga Whales and habitat loss?

Question

I am doing a research project on beluga whales, and I am trying to find some threats (e.g. pollution) that they face. I read on a website that habitat loss is also affecting them because of building on the shores. How would development on the shore be habitat loss for belugas, who live in the deeper water?

Answer 1

i found this line:

"Because beluga congregate in river estuaries, human-caused pollution is proving to be a significant danger to their health. Incidents of cancer have been reported to be rising as a result of the St. Lawrence River pollution."

basicly the number of estuaries that have intact ecosystems were they can rest has declined. also development tends to divert rivers and increase shipping.