Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are species of whales widely distributed in the Arctic Ocean, also known as white whales for their distinctive colour. They are still hunted on a subsistence level by Indigenous peoples of Canada and Alaska for whale meat, blubber (muktuk), and other raw materials, with hunts managed through co-management agreements that respect both tradition and conservation. Distinct from the beluga sturgeon despite the shared name, they hold deep cultural importance for Arctic communities, providing nutrient-dense traditional foods. As long-lived marine mammals, they can accumulate environmental contaminants, so health authorities monitor traditional foods where industrial pollution reaches Arctic waters.