Mystic Aquarium research scientists, working with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, have been able to make visual identification of the three beluga whales seen in Narragansett Bay over the last week, the aquarium announced Wednesday.

The whales were seen on Monday and Tuesday and the aquarium’s research team was able to secure still and video footage zooming in on the trio from aboard a DEM vessel, the aquarium said. 

“They appear to be in good health,” said Paul Anderson, a research scientist at the aquarium. “We are continuing to monitor their behavior.”

On Tuesday, Tracy Romano, chief scientist and vice president of research at the aquarium, contacted Robert Michaud, scientific director of the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals and coordinator of the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network, the aquarium said. The St. Lawrence belugas have been in a slow population decline for the past decade, according to Michaud.

While an exact count is not available, it is believed that the beluga population in the St. Lawrence estuary is less than 1,000. According to the internationally recognized Environmental Investigation Agency, the St. Lawrence beluga subpopulation is classified as depleted. 

“It’s critical to know if these visitors belong to the St. Lawrence population or come from the more distant and isolated northern stock,” Romano said.

The footage secured from Narragansett Bay is being shared with Michaud, who has a photo catalog of St. Lawrence belugas.

“In the context where the St. Lawrence population is declining, we hope these whales make their way back home,” Michaud said.

The aquarium said it also is working closely with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries. The aquarium urged onlookers to remain at a distance from the whales.

Confirmed sightings should be reported to the aquarium’s Animal Rescue Hotline at (860) 572-5955, ext. 107. Confirmed sightings are those that can be substantiated with a photo or video.