Scientists record seven newborn belugas near Solovetsky Islands

Researchers at the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Oceanology recorded seven newborn belugas near the Solovetsky Islands in summer 2026. The institute reported the season's findings on October 15.

Researchers observed animals at a summer reproductive aggregation and elsewhere in Solovetsky Bay. The work examines how construction of marine infrastructure affects belugas and true seals.

Underwater acoustic recordings totalled more than 6,600 hours. Researchers also conducted four sets of noise measurements at different distances from the pile-installation site. The data will help clarify how construction noise spreads and assess its effects on marine mammals.

The institute said construction crews were using vibratory pile installation for a second season. Its specialists described this as the method with the least acoustic impact.

However, the institute's account published by Scientific Russia also noted lower overall beluga attendance at the reproductive aggregation during summer 2026. It identified unregulated boating tourism among possible explanations, without establishing a single cause. The research is conducted under a state assignment assessing human impacts on animals during construction on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island.