The global population of Beluga today stands at about 100,000. Although this number is much greater than that of other cetaceans, it is much smaller than historical populations before decades of over-hunting. There are estimated to be 40,000 individuals in the Beaufort Sea, 25,000 in Hudson Bay, 18,000 in the Bering Sea and 28,000 in the Canadian High Arctic. The population in the St. Lawrence estuary is estimated to be around 1000.
Because of their predictable migration pattern and high concentrations, Beluga have been hunted by indigenous Arctic peoples for centuries. In many areas a pattern of hunting, believed to be sustainable, continues to this day. However in other areas, such as the Cook Inlet, Ungava Bay and off west Greenland previous commercial catches (now banned under the general moratorium on whaling) left the populations in great peril. Although not formally allowed, indigenous whaling continues in these areas too, and it is thought the populations may never recover. These areas are the subject of intensive dialogue between Inuit communities and national governments aiming to create a sustainable hunt and are the reason that the Beluga has been listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 1994.
Because beluga congregrate 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 in the St. Lawrence River pollution. The bodies of the Belugas resident in this area contain so many contaminants that their carcasses are treated as toxic waste. It is not known what the long-term effects of this pollution will be on the affected populations.
Indirect human disturbance may also be a threat to the species. While some populations have come to tolerate small boats, others have been known to actively try to avoid ships. Whale-watching Beluga has become a huge and booming activity in the St. Lawrence and Churchill River areas.
Belugas were amongst the first whale species to be brought into captivity. The first Beluga was shown at Barnum's Museum in New York in 1861. Today it remains one of the few whale species kept at aquariums and sea life parks across North America, Europe and Japan. Their popularity there with visitors reflects their attractive colour, and their range of facial expressions. Whilst most dolphin "smiles" are fixed, the extra movement afforded by their unfused cervical vertebrae allows a greater range of expression. Most beluga found in aquariums are caught in the wild, though captive breeding programmes have enjoyed some success.
Both the United States Navy and the navy of the former Soviet Union have used beluga in anti-mining operations in Arctic waters.