Magazine

The gloomy November weather of late hasn’t put a damper on marine mammal activity! A few minke whales were quite…

November kicked off with some pleasant surprises in the St. Lawrence. It is said that hundreds of dolphins ventured as…

On October 23, the carcass of a northern bottlenose whale was discovered on the banks of Saint-Jean-de-l'Île-d’Orléans, near Quebec City.…

Big blasts off the coast of Franquelin, several large rorquals in Gaspésie and gatherings of belugas in the estuary... it…

In the St. Lawrence, the blazing colours of the coast contrast with the dark backs of humpback whales, the bright…

With four blue whales spotted in the estuary, two near Franquelin and three in Gaspésie, it’s almost as if fall…

Par Sami Jay Wagner-Beaulieu et Hugo Catineau, techniciens pilote de drone pour la brigade béluga rive sud The arrival of…

Without a doubt, the big stars of the estuary this week are blue whales! These giant visitors have been identified:…

The past week was ideal for enjoying the cool weather and those who ventured to the shores of the St.…

Tuesday, August 27, 8:00 a.m.: I’m due to meet the research team of Tadoussac’s Group for Research and Education on Marine…

Though only discovered in 2021, the Rice’s whale (Balaenoptera ricei) is one of the most endangered whales in the world.…

Long before the whales that we know and love roamed the seas of the planet, many different creatures lurked in…

The mystical appearance of the St. Lawrence was certainly a plus during the week leading up to Halloween! And the…

What a surprise it was for Montréal’s urbanites when a humpback whale visited the city’s port in 2020! This event…

A year-round resident of the St. Lawrence, the beluga inspires admiration. With their ever-smirky facial expressions, belugas have become one…

What a joy to see whales and seals slip out of the water for a few seconds before completely vanishing,…

Are we witnessing the return of the right whale to its ancestral territory? For the past ten years plus, North…

This week was marked by blue whales in the estuary, belugas in Cap-aux-Oies, right whales in the Mingan sector, harbour…

Since time immemorial, a mysterious creature has been said to reside in the waters of one of the largest of…

Fair weather, cool autumn breezes... What more could you ask for this September? How about lingering blue whales, a host…

Sharks are often imagined as ruthless predators. This extreme representation obscures the complex truth of these marine animals, which are…

By : Sarah Duquette, resource management technician for Parks Canada This morning, my alarm went off at 5:30 and, believe me,…

A small adventurous rorqual, identified belugas, the arrival of several large rorquals... What more could you ask for in late…

By Estelle Pagé It’s 6 in the morning, and my sailing shift has just begun. After six days in the…

A bioluminescent night with belugas in Tadoussac, a humpback whale breaching during a meal in Les Escoumins, dozens of right…

The reason marine mammals fascinate us so much is that we are far from having unravelled all of their mysteries!…

Whether it’s groups of white-sided dolphins breaking the surface in successive bursts, minke whales showing their bellies, or the humpback…

What if the future of cetacean protection no longer relied solely on humans, but also on artificial intelligence? In the…

Just like the top athletes at the Olympic Games in Paris, cetaceans also hold a number of records! From blue…

Ambergris, a mysterious treasure of the deep seas, has captivated the human imagination for centuries. This rare substance has crossed…

Whether it’s a blue whale swimming off the coast of Matane, fin whales in Gaspé Bay, North Atlantic right whales…

Not all orcas (Orcanus orca) are the same! Did you know that there are currently a dozen different subspecies? Orcas…

There is something romantic and relaxing about the seaside, which is perhaps why vacationers make a mad dash to the…

Every summer, fin whales come to the nutrient-rich waters of the St. Lawrence to feed, only to leave at the…

Imagine having the chance to see all four species of rorquals that frequent the St. Lawrence in the same day!…

The endangered St. Lawrence beluga needs your help to recover. For several years, the Group for Research and Education on…

I’m riding the ferry between Trois-Pistoles and Les Escoumins when my phone rings. To be honest, I miss the call…

From the smallest to the largest, whales of all sorts are currently gathered in the St. Lawrence! Harbour porpoises are…

The birth rate of North Atlantic right whales is very close to the species’ mortality rate. Classified as endangered for…

Siam, the estuary’s oldest humpback whale, is back! Whales were swimming just about everywhere in the St. Lawrence, including good…

Cetaceans could be the new stars of vocal rhythm research. A recent study provides the reasons behind why these species…

It appears that whales have finally made a big return to the estuary and gulf! From one end of the…

The 2024 Gala de la Terre was a huge success! The third edition of this major event took place at…

How do we know whether or not the whales of the St. Lawrence are doing well? This is the mission…

With the heatwave of the last few days, the cool, refreshing winds blowing over the river were certainly more than…

Whether it’s the glistening white backs of belugas in the estuary, abundant minke whales, or the humpback whale Irisept eating…

The humpback whale Tic Tac Toe has been back in the Marine Park since May 29. Images transmitted to the…

Whether they consume krill, fish or invertebrates, whales come to feed in the St. Lawrence and the immense smörgåsbord it…

Despite their similar names in French, the sei whale and the bowhead whale are two very distinct species! To eliminate…

The humpback whale Tic Tac Toe was observed in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park for the first time this year!…

What if, for one evening, belugas were to become choir singers? Thanks to a composition by Claudie Bertounesque, which will…

Fin whales are stealing the show this week, in large numbers. Individuals have even been identified, and some regulars are…

This week in the St. Lawrence, beluga vocalizations accompany the northern lights, while minke whales attract attention with their spectacular…

Parasite. A word that often sends shivers down our spines. However, marine mammals are highly accustomed to them. Cetaceans and…

Between the splashing waves, we spot a couple dark fins moving. We can definitely recognize the signs of a large…

Increasing numbers of groups of belugas are being spotted in the estuary, swimming amongst the quietly returning minke whales. Harbour…

The migrations of large rorquals still hold many mysteries. Where do they go in winter? How long do they stay…

In a few weeks from now, scientists will be plying the waters of the St. Lawrence with the aim of…

This past week, belugas have been seen from both shores of the estuary. Humpbacks, minke whales and seals were also…

According to data from the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN), last year saw the recovery of 17 beluga…

Two fin whales, good numbers of belugas, several minke whales, a humpback… The tally of cetaceans observed in the waters…

An article published a few weeks ago relates an unexpected interaction between two male humpback whales. Indeed, the two bulls…

On April 8, the banks of the St. Lawrence were basked in sunset-like lighting during the solar eclipse. For those…

Hunted, threatened, decimated. The largest of giants suffered greatly at the hands of humans throughout the 20th century and is…

“Fin whales in Les Escoumins,” remarks one avid yet impressed observer: “Their powerful breaths really hit you in the gut!” “A…

Large rorquals continuing to wow observers, a few belugas, harp seals resting on the ice and harbour seals... What more…

With fewer phone calls coming into Marine Mammal Emergencies (UMM) in winter than during the high season, it’s the perfect…

“Seeing them breath when it’s cold is even more impressive! When we talk about 10 metres high, it’s really 10…

A spring snow squall, minke whales slowly arriving, humpbacks breaching and river otters peering at the camera... The riverbanks were…

After being hunted for centuries, today’s North Atlantic right whales face many challenges, including entanglements with fishing gear, ship strikes…

7 Short Blasts and 1 Long Blast “I was woken up by seven short blasts followed by one long one.…

There's been plenty of action in the St. Lawrence in these first few days of March! Several belugas were seen…

To work with whales, Meredith’s journey took her to California, Michigan, Scotland, and ultimately to Quebec! Meredith Sherrill is a…

In terms of marine mammal sightings, the week can be summed up by harp seals at several locations in the…

Have you ever wondered why speed limits are imposed in certain shipping areas? Part of the answer can be summed…

Humpback whales are also particularly entertaining, lifting their tails when diving, performing successive breaches, striking their pectorals or tail on…

It seems that the biggest giant of all has paid a little visit to Les Escoumins! In fact, several local…

Each in their own way, every species on our planet must cope with the impacts of human actions, paving way…

World Whale Day is the perfect opportunity to make some big announcements for belugas! Thanks to a new census method,…

Large rorquals continue to blow off the coasts of Franquelin and Godbout, making for some extraordinary winter observations. Elsewhere in…

Once again this week, blue whales have been on the prowl, with one spotted in Franquelin, others in Godbout and…

When she was just 11 years old, Jade-Audrey already knew she wanted to work with cetaceans. Years later, her childhood…

Élizabeth, research assistant for the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), has been photographing belugas since May…

Viewed from the window, a powerful blast erupts from the river’s murky waters. From the comfort of their own home,…

Are sperm whales really as solitary as we think? The answer might surprise you. Indeed, you probably would have never…

If it weren’t for the snow-covered shoreline and the sub-zero temperatures, Franquelin residents could almost be forgiven for thinking it’s…

* As of January 29, 2024, the total number of calves born was 16. An exceptional event was observed a…

Throughout the St. Lawrence, the snowfall of the past few days has put a damper on opportunities for watching marine…

The presence of fin whales in the estuary surprised observers just in time for New Year’s. Harp seals have been…

In an immense expanse of blue, a long and slender silhouette gently rises above the water surface. A string of…

The holiday season is the perfect time to immerse yourself in stories about marine mammals and relax in front of…

Across the St. Lawrence, it was the tranquility of sightings that marked the past week. Many observers reported seeing nothing…

A rare behaviour that remains unexplained Bertie Gregory, explorer for National Geographic, recently witnessed an extremely rare episode of intimidation.…

What could possibly spark the interest of adults and children alike, drawing a crowd on the shores of Franquelin one…

Dozens of Atlantic white-sided dolphins, a late humpback, a minke whale here, belugas there... There’s so much marine fauna in…

On Wednesday, October 25, a humpback whale carcass washed up in Saint-Maxime-du-Mont-Louis in the Gaspé Peninsula. It was a male…

The recovery of the small community of southern resident killer whales – estimated at around 75 individuals – is hanging…

As November winds down, the snow gently reminds us that winter temperatures are right around the corner. With most of…

On November 6, flying above the gulf fifteen kilometres from the village of Baie-Johan-Beetz, a helicopter pilot notices a greyish…

In Shark Bay, Western Australia, a subset of the bottlenose dolphin population displays remarkable ingenuity. When foraging, they cover their…

Although sightings are beginning to taper off in the gulf, the estuary is still abuzz with the resonating spouts of…

According to a study published in Current Biology, females in the small community of southern resident killer whales invest their…

Imagine 150 cars piled on top of one another like a mountain. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? But hold on: it…

Humpback whales were at it again this week, giving us perhaps one last chance to admire their antics in the…

How do young belugas benefit from alloparental care? This is a question that Jaclyn Aubin and her colleagues tried to…

Notable sightings of the week included reports of little make-believe characters, from Nemo to the Little Mermaid to SpongeBob, parading…

Friday morning, September 22, 2023. Warning: Not for the faint of heart! I wake up shortly after dawn. The golden…

Rare visitors to the St. Lawrence were observed this past week in Quebec's Basse-Côte-Nord (Lower North Shore) region: killer whales.…

It's 5:45 a.m., and I'm already awake and excitedly waiting for news from the research team of the Group for…

Now that we’ve discussed human bias in the study of animal intelligence, let’s explore in this second part the different…

Although the cruise season is drawing to a close, marine mammals don’t seem like they’re quite ready to leave! Almost…

Did you know that the octopus is able to solve puzzles and to dream? That pigs show signs of empathy?…

In the sometimes calm, sometimes choppy waters of the St. Lawrence, cetaceans have made some noteworthy appearances. The clearly visible,…

September 14, 2023 will remain a date forever engraved in my memory. It was a strange and surreal day, Which…

By Eliza-Jane Morin, Resource Management Officer, Parks Canada During the summer months, the Parks Canada conservation team in the Saguenay-St.…

Once a week during the summer season, we carry out predator-prey monitoring in the lower estuary. The objective of this…

New whales continue to arrive in the St. Lawrence and marine diversity is matched only by the palette of colours…

Undeniably, today’s environment is undergoing rapid, irreversible and radical transformations. Being entirely subject to the laws of natural selection, whales…

They swim in groups in successive leaps, a palette of colours radiating above the water surface. We can distinguish white…

Ever look at a whale’s pectoral fins and wonder what lies beneath the skin? Enclosed in the rigid and resilient…

Autumn is right around the corner for our queens of the seas, who are gearing up – quietly but surely!…

As part of Science Literacy Week taking place from September 18 to 24 under the theme “Energy,” the Whales Online…

A 2014 BBC documentary showed a pod of dolphins playing with a pufferfish, prodding and grabbing it with their beaks…

Despite the excitement caused by the long-awaited arrival of sperm whales in the gulf, a certain calm has now returned…

A new species is visiting the Gulf of St. Lawrence for the first time this year: the sperm whale. In…

Did you know that a sound wave can travel through water at a speed of 5,400 kilometres per hour? In…

The magic of moments along the St. Lawrence is in abundance as August comes to a close. It's a graceful…

In a context where environmental concerns are at the center of discussions, it seems difficult to navigate through the different…

What could be more impressive than a blue whale, the largest animal alive? Perhaps to see this immense whale make…

The Mediterranean Sea is home to a unique population of fin whales that has evolved separately from the North Atlantic…

Blue whales? Up to three individuals have reportedly been observed in the estuary. Humpbacks? Several in Gaspé Bay, including a…

Echolocation is used by several animals such as bats, dolphins, toothed whales and some nocturnal birds. This technique allows animals…

The waters of the St. Lawrence are populated by a multitude of marine mammals: Tic Tac Toe is back for…

By Cristiane Albuquerque, ecologist and acting team lead at the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park I had the opportunity to spend…

Eight humpback whales were identified over the past week in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. At the other end of…

The question of how relevant and ethical (or unethical!) animal establishments such as zoos and aquariums are is highly debatable.…

Compared to their giant bodies, the eyes of whales are quite small. It is often said that the eyes are…

What did the waters off Percé and those near Anticosti Island have in common this past week? Both were visited…

Did you know that in some terrestrial species such as the baboon, infanticide can cause up to 70% of all…

The fog lifts after having shrouded Gaspé Bay for several days, meaning observers can finally admire the colourful panorama... and…

Today, June 21, 2023, is National Indigenous Peoples Day. I want to emphasize this, since I will be sailing on…

They exude an aura of magic that animates evening get-togethers along the shores of the St. Lawrence. Every year, visitors…

Ever heard of Peto’s paradox? The latter states that the probability of developing cancer is unrelated to the number of…

Although the start of the season has been a quiet one, whales seem to have finally arrived in the St.…

Ever heard of the mysterious and legendary achikunipi, as this animal is known to the Cree? Or the qasigiaq, the…

Although they are marine mammals, pinnipeds carry out a number of their most important activities out of water. Indeed, napping,…

In the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park as well as in the Mingan and Sept-Îles sectors, humpback and fin whale sightings…

You’ve probably heard this question more than once since the start of the season! Our team therefore felt it might…

It’s late morning on Friday, June 2, when the phone rings. It’s the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN)…

The blue whale has a dive time that varies from around 10 to 30 minutes, which is not enough to…

The weekly sightings column is not only a bit of a summary of everything that has been seen in the…

The slow start to the 2023 season in the Lower Estuary continues, with still very few observations of large whales.…

A beluga ironically named Hvaldimir – Hval for “whale” in Norwegian – was first seen in 2019 off the coast…

On May 23 and 24, several members of the team from the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) and…

This week, large rorquals were present all around the gulf. A blue whale made an appearance near Sept-Îles, minke whales…

Why is the Strait of Gibraltar killer whale subpopulation increasingly interacting with boats? How did this behaviour originate? These are…

After a quiet start to the season, humpback whales are now making a long-awaited return to Gaspésie, with between six…

I like it when these field notes are representative of our daily observations on the water. It goes without saying…

From an emotional standpoint, the world of conservation can often be quite difficult to navigate. Through our own activities, the…

Even if the week was quiet in terms of observations, the presence of minke whales did add a little action…

Tuesday, May 23, 2023. For amateur cetologist René Roy, this is his second time on the water this season. During…

“First time ever,” “extraordinary,” “record...” After a while, observers describing the 2021 whale-watching season in the estuary began to run…

This week, marine mammals were not deterred by the snow and wind from parading up and down the St. Lawrence.…

To begin these field notes, we first need to travel back in time to September 1999. It was one of…

While some communities are eagerly waiting for the ice to break up on the local river or for the tulips…

The heavy rains and strong winds that pounded “La Belle Province” in recent days have certainly made watching marine mammals…

In 1988, the International Forum for the Future of the Beluga was held. Just five years earlier, in 1983, the…

“You’ll see, tomorrow morning there will be humpbacks in Les Bergeronnes,” claims Renaud Pintiaux, a long-time observer forWhales Online. Gut…

Another season is underway, and here I am once again with field notes that you will find posted on this…

Whether it’s by reporting your sightings or volunteering with a conservation organization, there’s no wrong way to get involved with…

Swimming in proximity to both a blue whale and a fin whale, the first harbour porpoises of the season made…

Since every little gesture counts when it comes to safeguarding the environment, the Whales Online team presents five actions that…

After being hunted for centuries, today’s North Atlantic right whales face many challenges, including entanglements with fishing gear, ship strikes…

The list of marine species present in the St. Lawrence is getting longer and longer: blue whales and fin whales…

Tic Tac Toe, an easily recognizable female humpback whale with a large “X” on her caudal fin, was seen several…

This past week in the St. Lawrence, strong winds, inclement weather and rough seas did not make easy to observe…

Many whales feature both dark body parts and light body parts. This is the case for a number of species…

The mysterious series of spout sightings that began last week continues, only this time we might actually be able to…

Over the past year, 12 beluga carcasses were discovered adrift or on the shores of the St. Lawrence by the…

Since 2019, I ‘ve been making an annual migration to Mexico for a few months each year, more precisely to…

This week, eyes are shifting to the Gaspé in the hope of solving a very particular enigma… Large rorquals have…

As part of a training course, my colleague and UMM technician Méduline Chailloux and I met on a Saturday morning…

Off the coast of Sept-Îles, a huge blast rises into the air, then another. Clearly visible from shore, these blows…

Between entanglements in fishing gear, ship strikes and climate change, the past few decades have been rough for the North…

Being mammals, whales have a lot more in common with us than you might think. From breathing to nursing to…

Last week’s sightings article may have inspired some of you... One marine mammal enthusiast wrote to us that she even…

From February 3 to 9, the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress, IMPAC5, was held in Vancouver. The event was…

In the thrilling journey of a young beluga in search of his grandfather, the animated film Katak the Brave Beluga,…

Over the past week, harp seals, harbour seals and belugas have been sighted along the north shore of the St.…

The diminishing ice cover observed in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence in recent years is having an impact…

Sunny days, seabirds flying gracefully over the river as they forage for food, reflections in the crystal clear water and…

July 13, 2021. Several large spouts erupt off the coast of Sept-Îles. One, two, three blasts. Four, then seven, then…

A blue whale venturing near the coast, seals resting on blocks of ice, a solitary beluga that shows its tail…

When a marine mammal carcass is found stranded or adrift in the waters of the St. Lawrence, the Quebec Marine…

Despite the arctic temperatures of the past week, the marine animals of the St. Lawrence do not seem to have…

Anyone who has ever walked through the doors of Tadoussac’s Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) has undoubtedly gawked at the…

On the horizon, on the ice and in the waves, every week is different than the one before. Few marine…

Saturday, September 17: The weather is beautiful and the participants of the Béluga Ultra Trail (web page in French) race…

Although drones are useful tools for conducting marine mammal research, it is legitimate to wonder what impact they may have…

It’s a white January morning and the wintry wind is blowing across the river when a local resident sitting cosily…

After causing a sensation two weeks ago with a remarkable presence in Percé and a few appearances in the Côte-Nord…

From odontocetes to mysticetes, whale anatomy varies from one species to another, even with regard to their heads! The sperm…

Last October 23, a True’s beaked whale beached itself and died in the Bay of Sept-Îles. The causes of this…

During the end-of year holiday season, the waters of the St. Lawrence quietly became cloaked in a sheet of ice…

Over the past several years, the novel field of ropeless fishing has been expanding thanks to the research and development…

A pleasant visit to the St. Lawrence this week makes one want to hum the tune “Blue Christmas.” Not for…

This week, winter lovers were able to take advantage of the short, sunny days to admire seals, belugas, minke whales…

Many species of whales have left the St. Lawrence for the winter. Observing these cetaceans in the flesh in the…

Since 2015, an uptick in the presence of North Atlantic right whales has been observed in the Gulf of St.…

The day is calm with a quiet whisper of a wind, while out in the bay, a few dark spots…

Last September, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network received a report of an Atlantic white-sided dolphin carcass near Rimouski.…

This week, a few humpback whales were still present in the St. Lawrence and residents were even treated to an…

As fluffy snowflakes invaded eastern Quebec and a white blanket quietly covered the ground, marine mammals continued on with their…

Thirty years ago, the fossil of an Atlantic grey whale (Eschrichtius robustus) was misidentified as a humpback whale. The latter…

As winter approaches, migratory whale species are slowly beginning to leave. Although humpback whales are becoming more scarce, the waters…

Caring for sick, injured or dead individuals – otherwise known as epimeletic behaviour – is a common form of expression…

Whether on a boat, at the docks or on shore, the echos of blowing whales can be heard. From humpback…

Public opinion seems increasingly concerned about the future of whales, which have become over time a symbol of wildlife conservation.…

Whether watching through their binoculars, through the lens of their camera or with their own two eyes while squinting from…

Like humpbacks, toothed whales (odontocetes) and dolphins in particular stand out for their altruistic behaviour. However, the nature of this…

By definition, taxonomy is a science aimed at studying the diversity of the living world. In this regard, organisms are…

Protecting the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park requires teamwork. Research makes it possible to better understand various issues related to the…

Some whales bear reminders of their past. Sometimes inconspicuous, sometimes more pronounced, scars of all shapes and sizes mark the…

One might think that the roller coaster temperatures of autumn are hardly conducive to marine mammal sightings. However, this is…

In December 2021, scientists felt a glimmer of hope when Snow Cone was spotted with a newborn, despite the fact…

A dozen or so humpback whales have been observed in Gaspé Bay over the past week. A few individuals approach…

The more time they spend watching and working with marine mammals, the more observers and scientists alike come to assume…

In the early afternoon of Monday, September 5, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network call centre receives a report…

Although the grey seal feeds primarily on fish and crustaceans, it also seems to hunt and occaisonally feed on harbour…

Whether it’s pods of white-sided dolphins repeatedly leaping out of the water, breaching minke whales or a blue whale blowing…

Every summer since 2003, the Parks Canada team has been scrutinizing the waters in and around Baie Sainte-Marguerite to tally…

With the growing popularity of drones, it is increasingly common to see spectacular images of cetaceans. From herds of migrating…

Mariners are well aware that in fall, storms often produce strong winds from the east or northeast. While some enthusiasts…

It is difficult to determine with certainty the altruistic character of a given animal behaviour. Indeed, guessing their motive is…

For scientists, the endangered North Atlantic right whale is a source of both fascination and concern. This is why a…

A favourite subject for some but dreaded by others, math can sometimes be applied in unusual ways. As part of…

This week, all up and down the St. Lawrence, humpback whales are topping the lists of observations, along with other…

“Hey look! Over there! A beluga!” Posted on our observation platform on the sacred mountain of Gros-Cacouna, Sami and I…

This past week was marked by the presence of fog almost all across the St. Lawrence. Mingan Islands, La Malbaie,…

Every year, between 15 and 20 beluga carcasses are found and recovered along the shores of the St. Lawrence. Why…

Out on the water, the mild conditions over the last few days have allowed for the observation of a number…

It is a beautiful evening of observation, a magnificent sunset, a refreshing breeze, a most grandiose panorama. The eyes turned…

Scanning the vast, nutrient-rich waters of the St. Lawrence, any keen-eyed observer may ask a very simple but essential question…

This week in the St. Lawrence, giants of all colours amazed young and old observers alike. From grey seals to…

Ever since the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park was created in 1998, a large number of protective measures have been put…

This week, there was action in the St. Lawrence! In addition to the usual species that seem to be just…

The week of July 11 to 15 marked the second year of sampling for our project in collaboration with Fisheries…

On both shores of the St. Lawrence, many folks are concerned about the paucity of whales observed in the river…

Since 1994, sampling has been conducted on nearly 3,000 excursionsin the heart of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park by the…

Everyone was surprised this week when not one, but two endangered species ventured into the St. Lawrence Estuary: one North…

Between Tadoussac and Kegaska, Route 138 hugs the coast of Quebec’s Côte-Nord region for over 850 kilometres. Dotted with magnificent…

Problems related to plastic garbage in our oceans and waterways have been with us for many years now. What’s more,…

Last June, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) received an abnormally high number of reports of dead or…

After the pioneering belugas that ventured into Baie des Ha! Ha! last week, this week it is the humpbacks’ turn to…

On Wednesday, July 13, a humpback whale was spotted off the coast of Les Escoumins accompanied by a calf that…

On the evening of June 20, 2022, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) gets wind that a harbour…

Belugas made headlines this week when a group of a dozen or so individuals was observed in Baie des Ha! Ha!…

On Sunday, July 3, a minke whale carcass was found on Île Vertein Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region. This is practically the…

When it comes to marine mammals, sometimes no two days are alike. For several weeks, a resident of Tadoussac had been…

There are enormous benefits to working and living in whale country.  Now my home base, Tadoussac is a tourist destination for…

A certain enchantment can sometimes develop between whales and the naturalists who observe them. For naturalist and wildlife photographer Renaud…

The arrival of spring is synonymous with change. The days are getting longer, multiple species of whales are returning to…

Seal pups harassed on the beaches, discovery of pinniped carcasses along the shores, vagrant minke whales in Montréal: these are…

Belugas took full advantage of their first day of calm in the Saguenay Fjord. Many light-coloured backs were present in…

From the small harbour porpoise to the titanic blue whale: the wide range of sightings offered by the St. Lawrence…

Newborn belugas are born brownish before becoming grey-blue and then completely white. This gradual change of color is a common…

Exuberant, splashy, and ubiquitous, humpback whales sometimes tend to turn our attention away from other cetaceans. And not only when…

Sometimes you have to get up at the crack of dawn if you want to be rewarded with exciting observations.…

Spring is here and the seal pupping season is in full swing. The Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN)…

Do pilot whales impatiently look forward to spring just to cross paths with amateur cetologist René Roy? One thing is…

For over a week now, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has been attempting to locate a North Atlantic right whale…

Despite the 1979 ban on commercial whaling that decimated the St. Lawrence beluga and the implementation of numerous protection measures,…

Small white backs speckled the St. Lawrence with their presence this week. Thursday, May 12, at the ferry terminal in…

From Montréal to Sept-Îles and Gaspésie, there’s been a lot of talk about minke whales this week. While these small…

This page is dedicated to the presence of two minke whales in the waters of Montreal. It is updated several…

Two minke whales have been observed in Montreal, near St. Helen's Island. The first individual has been in the area…

This week, the most amazing marine mammal sighting is undoubtedly the presence of a polar bear in the Gaspé Peninsula.…

We all have in mind that killer whales are super-predators that can attack the largest animals on the planet: blue…

This is the first beluga whale carcass recovered for the 2022 season under the carcass recovery program initiated in 1983.…

They may be the smallest representatives of the rorqual family, but minke whales have been getting a lot of attention…

[Continuation of article “What does GREMM do in winter? (2/2)”] Every winter, when the whales leave the Estuary, many of…

On Saturday, while scanning the Estuary through her binoculars, one local resident saw a funny-looking white spot from the rental…

2021 will be no exception. Once again, researchers and specialists are concerned by the mortalities being observed in the St.…

Every year, when the month of April kicks off in the Haute-Côte-Nord region, an indescribable emotion begins to flow through…

Armed with his camera, wildlife photographer Renaud Pintiaux sets up on the shore of Cap de Bon-Désir this past Monday.…

When fall arrives and the whales leave the St. Lawrence Estuary for the winter, GREMM takes its boats out of…

That might sound like a funny question! After all, isn’t the blue colour of Balaenoptera musculus, in addition to its…

The excitement is palpable this week on the shores of the St. Lawrence! For the past few days, the same…

There’s been a lot of action in the Gaspé this week! In addition to spotting harbour seals every day in…

From November to April, North Atlantic right whales give birth to their calves in the warm waters off Florida and…

The North Atlantic right whale is a particularly vulnerable cetacean species, currently numbering fewer than 350 individuals. The survival of…

On Thursday, March 10, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced the protection measures that will be put in place this year…

We know where H858, also known as Queen, and H879 spent their holidays! No, these two humpbacks did not send…

For the past few years, I’ve been making the occasional winter trip to Mexico, just for the sake of warming…

After a long winter, residents are beginning to see patches of open water in the St. Lawrence’s coat of ice…

Volunteers are our eyes and our hands in the field. In addition to helping the scientific community gain vital knowledge…

Since 1994, GREMM’s research team has been conducting a long-term biopsy program (article in French) on the beluga population of…

Monday evening, from the window of her home in Sept-Îles, a local resident peers outside to admire the blazing sky…

Cetaceans in sight for the first time weeks! On February 25, it was from the docks in Les Escoumins that…

Tipping the scales at up to 135 tonnes, the blue whale is the largest animal on our planet. Seeing the…

The rorqual family includes the largest animals on the planet. In order to satisfy their gargantuan energy needs by gulping…

Between two snowstorms, all eyes turn to the waters of the St. Lawrence, scanning the horizon for marine mammals. It…

The Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) is coming to you! Our collection of cetacean skeletons – the only one of…

When the north winds quiet down, the surface of the St. Lawrence ends up looking like a mirror, frozen solid…

So many pinnipeds in this chilly week of February! That’s what several observers from the Côte-Nord region have been telling…

It is widely known that some animal species, including humans and bonobos, engage in sexual activity outside of their breeding…

By Mathieu Marzelière with the collaboration of Laurence Tremblay [Continuation of article “Destination Azores with Expedition Glacialis (Part 1 of…

No backs, no spouts, not even the shadow of a tail. Zero, zip, zilch. “No whales this week,” a number…

By Mathieu Marzelière with the collaboration of Laurence Tremblay Laurence and I work for GREMM as research assistants. For several…

Powerful yet elegant, cetaceans are majestic beings for humans to observe. But how do they see us? In colour or…

Do you see what I see? Between the frigid winds, snow squalls and ice floes forming on the St. Lawrence,…

On the St. Lawrence, it’s ice and more ice as far as the eye can see! In the Gaspé, where…

For many years now, I have regularly gone out on the water every summer as well as a good part…

Approximately 90% of humans are right-handed, preferring to use their right hand for writing and carrying out daily tasks, while…

A polar cold snap swept across Quebec this week, bringing with it blustery winds, thick fog and fresh snow, adding…

Is the narwhal still in the region? Is it still associating with belugas? How is it doing? Many of you…

Underwater noise is a major issue in the protection St. Lawrence belugas, which rely on sound to find their way,…

North Atlantic right whales are one of the most vulnerable cetacean species on the planet. With less than 350 individuals…

“Cré-moé, cré-moé pas, quelque part en Alaska, y a un phoque qui s'ennuie en maudit” (Believe it or not, somewhere…

One of the most critically endangered cetacean species in the world, the North Atlantic right whale has been under close…

While the end-of-year holidays are a good time to relax and celebrate with family, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response…

As the year draws to a close, fireplaces are crackling, winds are whipping and Quebec’s landscapes are gradually being covered…

Every year, the whales of the St. Lawrence travel thousands of kilometres between Quebec and their wintering grounds. A humpback…

Between a winter storm, pounding winds and turbulent waters, this week’s weather conditions made it difficult to observe marine mammals.…

By René Roy For several years now, I’ve been plying the waters of the St. Lawrence in order to observe…

By Mélissa Tremblay, Head of the Marine Mammal Emergencies call centre Beginning in November, Marine Mammal Emergencies (UMM)  generally receives…

By Renaud Pintiaux, naturalist and wildlife photographer   The whale-watching season in the waters between Tadoussac and Les Escoumins ended…

Clearly, Saturday was an eventful day in Gaspé Bay. On Saturday morning, two humpback whales were breaching repeatedly off the…

Field observations are not the only way to discover new animal species. Through lab analyses of preserved skeletons and samples,…

Friday morning, from the top of the dunes in Tadoussac, an avid birder spots some splashing in the middle of…

How much is a whale worth? According to a 2019 study conducted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a large…

They stand out from other members of their species by their unusual whiteness. They are known as albinos. Like land…

“It’s been a quiet week for whales,” admits a resident of Percé, “but grey seals have been abundant. From our…

On Monday, November 15, 2021 at 2:30 p.m., a press conference was held in Cacouna to announce the Government of Quebec’s…

In summer, harbour porpoises are often seen moving in large groups of up to several dozen individuals. This time of…

By Laura Zeppetelli This fall, I had the opportunity to leave my office in downtown Montréal to board the Bleuvet…

Nicknamed the “greyhound of the sea,” the fin whale is the fastest of any of the large rorquals that frequent…

The North Atlantic right whale population is down to approximately 350 individuals and is critically endangered. The recovery of this…

As the mercury drops, the weather grows harsher and boats are being docked for the winter, whales are setting out…

By Marie-Maude Rondeau Ever heard of Valleau, the sperm whale whose carcass washed ashore in L’Anse-à-Valleau in 2003? Today, this…

As predators, fin whales are considered generalists, capable of hunting and feeding on a variety of prey ranging from zooplankton…

After being present in large numbers in the Estuary this summer, the whales now seem to be heading east and…

The tusk of the narwhal – a long spiral-shaped tooth that can measure nearly 3 metres long – makes a…

As Halloween approaches, horror stories abound! Amongst sources of inspiration for spooky legends, the ocean has always been a great…

Through his spotting scope, a birder posted at the Tadoussac dunes suspects he saw an unusual visitor on Sunday. The…

Biologist Valeria Vergara has always assumed that newborn belugas produce very soft vocalizations, making them particularly vulnerable to underwater noise.…

On this Thanksgiving Monday afternoon, a group of kayakers is quietly paddling toward the dock at L'Anse-de-Roche when they hear…

“Are the whales expected to arrive anytime soon? Are there any whales still in the area? How long will they…

As the autumn foliage grows brighter and the days grow colder, the humpback whales in Canadian waters are slowly beginning…

On Thursday, September 30, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) receives a report of two whales stranded alive…

Thousands of successive leaps over the surface of a sparkling sea. White-sided dolphins were present by the hundreds off Port-Cartier…

This year, the Eco-Whale Alliance is celebrating its 10th anniversary! Established by sea excursion companies, GREMM, Sépaq and Parks Canada,…

In this final week of September, marine mammal sightings are slowly petering out with the end of the tourist season.…

If you follow whale-related issues at all, you’ve probably already heard of ghost gear. Some of our readers might be…

[Updated on September 28th] Once again this year, from June 21 to September 21, the Baie Sainte-Marguerite sector remained off-limits…

This week has been tinged with a majestic full moon and temperatures reminiscent of balmy summer evenings. With the onset…

By Alexandre Bernier-Graveline How do you imagine the day-to-day life of a member of GREMM’s research team? Hair blowing in…

Across Quebec, colder weather is gradually setting in. Northerly winds are beginning to blow, announcing the arrival of fall and…

By Marie-Maude Rondeau This summer, I’m working as a responder for the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN). I’m…

On September 5, 2021, i.e. the Sunday before Labour Day, the excitement was palpable in Tadoussac. With over 500 visitors…

By Jaclyn Aubin This summer, I was lucky enough to pass two weeks on the Grande-Île de Kamouraska, accompanied by…

The vocabulary used to talk about our whales can sometimes be confusing. Should we say “marine mammal,” “cetacean,” “whale,” or…

A narwhal that thinks it’s a beluga, unidentifiable humpbacks and minke whales in search of recognition. This week, the whales…

Much like humans, killer whales can’t choose their family, but they can at least decide which of their little cousins ​​they want…

This week, we were able to admire the milky blue of a mist-laden sky, the dark bluish-black waters of the…

By Mathieu Roy As a research assistant, I have the chance to spend part of my days aboard whale-watching cruises…

Are you familiar with beaked whales? If the answer is “no”, you are probably not alone. Even researchers know relatively…

This week in the St. Lawrence was rich in sightings both magical and emotional: the return of Siam to the…

Whether on water or on land, the research activities carried out by the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM)…

Since 2013, the southern resident killer whale population has been exhibiting unusual behaviours that are worrying scientists. Strangely enough, this…

“It’s awesome out there! There are humpbacks, fins, minkes... It’s non-stop!” exclaims photographer Renaud Pintiaux. At high tide in the…

As you pace the shores of the St. Lawrence, you come face to face with a seal. So far, nothing…

In my after-work hours, I write poetry. Drafting texts on whales is quite new to me. When I joined the…

You don’t always need to see whales live to fall under their charm. Thanks to the selection of books (all…

We’ve known that North Atlantic right whales are less and less abundant, with a population currently estimated to number fewer…

It was a bountiful week on the St. Lawrence this week, with spectacular marine mammal viewing to locals and visitors…

As early as the 1980s, whale song research pioneer Roger Payne stated that “It is inconceivable that such rapid and…

My name is Stéphanie, and I’m one of GREMM’s (Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals) research assistants for…

Season after season, tide after tide, the St. Lawrence River is like a beating heart. Marine currents, prey availability, and…

Many of the humpback whales observed in summer in the St. Lawrence spend part of the winter in their breeding…

In the context of environmental assessments of development projects in the St. Lawrence, the issue of cumulative effects is often…

Cultural transmission is a widely-accepted hypothesis within the scientific community to explain the movement and transformation of humpback whale songs through space…

Whether you’re on the shores of the St. Lawrence or sailing in its waters, there’s always a chance for a…

On July 21, Environment Minister Benoit Charette announced that his government was rejecting GNL Québec's Énergie Saguenay project, a highly…

The sun is setting over the beach in Les Bergeronnes and the sky is a palette of pinkish hues. With…

It is sometimes said that Tic Tac Toe, Capitaine Crochet or Ti-Croche are “faithful” whales, but what does this really…

For the first time ever, data on whale incidents in eastern Canada has been compiled in a single report. Produced…

In the documentary The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52, a group of scientists sets out to find a whale…

On June 19, an employee of Forillon National Park discovers a fin whale carcass at the bottom of a cliff…

Upon seeing a whale floating oddly on the water surface, do you decide to immediately jump overboard and save it…

Porpoises, seals, sharks, small fish and seabirds... even when big blasts are conspicuous by their absence, the St. Lawrence remains…

In the fall, nearly all baleen whales in the St. Lawrence head for warmer waters in the South, where they…

What if we could observe the different stages of evolution that a species has undergone by studying a single individual?…

“It’s tough to find a good weather window this week!” rants René Roy, collaborator for the Mingan Island Cetacean Study…

From Matane and Bonaventure, Quebec to Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, belugas seem to be everywhere this…

Perched atop a tower in the middle of Baie Sainte-Marguerite, Jaclyn Aubin peered down on belugas for two summers (2017…

Wednesday morning, just as the team from the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) begins its workday, time stands still for…

Migration is truly underway in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and is in full swing at the tip of the…

At the call centre for the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network, 80% of reported cases involve seals, whether they…

As I’m driving down Highway 132, my eye is suddenly drawn out to sea. From the dark, rolling water spews…

Rarely studied in Quebec, porpoises were recently the focus of a study on feeding behaviours. Using drones, researchers at the…

Back on the water for the 2021 season. It should be a great summer offshore, between Tadoussac and Les Escoumins.…

“The capelin are rolling like crazy here in the Gaspé,” says one observer. “At least ten humpbacks have been tallied…

As is the case every year, the arrival of warm, sunny days is synonymous with an uptick in the number…

All mammals have hair. At first glance, this characteristic seems completely incompatible with the image we have of whales, animals…

Friday, May 28: It’s barely the crack of dawn on the dunes of Tadoussac when Laetitia from the Tadoussac Bird…

In late April, a local resident discovers a very decomposed carcass on Haldimand Beach in Gaspé. All that remains are…

Tadoussac’s Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) will open its doors on June 7. After months in the dark, the fifteen…

While some observers, with their eyes glued to the water, are thrilled to see the white backs of belugas and…

In May and June, many residents will have the opportunity to observe young seals on the beaches, as it is…

From June 1 to 8, 2021, the first Quebec edition of Ocean Week will take place. Orchestrated by the environmental…

It left millions astonished, concerned, dazzled and sensitized, even as the province was under lockdown. The juvenile (2 to 4 years…

While large whales are still mostly absent in the St. Lawrence, minke whales are taking the opportunity to steel the…

The Marine Mammal Observation Network (MMON), the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and the St. Lawrence Global Observatory (SLGO)…

In the presence of watercraft, blue whales reduce both the duration and depth of their dives. A recent simulation-based study…

To underscore her concern for wildlife conservation and especially for belugas, singer Pomme chose to write a tune about these…

On Tuesday, May 11, a major release operation was attempted to come to the aid of Snow Cone, a North…

Determining the age of a wild beluga is quite a challenge. So when American researchers announce that they are developing…

Whales produce viscous tears (article in French) that serve to protect their eyes from debris. Are these tears also used…

It is perhaps the least known marine mammal species in the St. Lawrence. And for good reason: sightings are occasional…

Side by side, two minke whales swim off Pointe Noire near the town of Baie-Sainte-Catherine. One of them is clearly…

If we truly want to protect whales – and other species as well for that matter – biologists must understand…

Porpoises are usually expected in these parts beginning in late June. But this year, at least two harbour porpoises have…

Even if they are marine mammals, seals have to return to land for some of their activities. Amphibious in nature,…

They love. They mourn. They play. They share. Whales live in complex societies, each with its own culture. This is…

On April 15, a seasonal resident of Pointe-des-Monts takes advantage of the mild weather in April to open his chalet…

Judging by the search engines, the question has created quite a buzz: are whales capable of emitting flatulence, gas... in…

The island of Newfoundland forms an obstacle between the Atlantic and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. If you’re a whale…

Every spring in late March or early April, the smallest of the rorquals is usually the first of the seasonal…

When the United Nations launches a theme, it’s not merely symbolic. From 2021 to 2030, the theme will be the…

On March 27, a beluga carcass was discovered in Tadoussac by an individual who was out for a stroll. The…

One of the challenges of whale watching is how long it takes for but a fraction of a body to…

Now that the ice has receded from the St. Lawrence, seals must find new platforms out of the water to…

Quebec's environmental assessment agency, the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE), which has been tasked with evaluating the Énergie Saguenay…

On the other end of the line, his voice cracks with excitement. Jean Roy is the owner of Gaspé-based cruise…

When researchers placed a camera on the back of a humpback whale, they probably weren’t expecting an hour-long video during…

In eastern Quebec, the weather is getting milder, migrating birds are beginning to arrive, and icebreakers are freeing the waters…

On February 19, a senior officer of a cargo ship passing through the St. Lawrence Estuary photographed blue whales off…

After a fairly mild winter, the St. Lawrence, parts of which have been ice-covered only for a few weeks even…

This year, the decline in ice cover on the St. Lawrence, a trend that began a few decades ago, is…

Itching to set sail in search of marine mammals? Virtual experiences are available thanks to the following list of podcasts…

With a total population estimated to number fewer than 350 individuals, the North Atlantic right whale is one of the…

In the span of just a few weeks, two North Atlantic right whale carcasses were discovered off the coast of…

Off Les Bergeronnes, a herd of forty to fifty belugas frolic. GREMM Scientific Director and beluga expert Robert Michaud interrupts…

For the harbour porpoise, human activities are not the only threats it faces. The smallest cetacean in the St. Lawrence…

By Alexandre Bernier-Graveline and Mathieu Marzelière For GREMM’s research team, winter is usually synonymous with compiling, processing and analyzing images…

Whale and seal sightings are scarce these days. Over the course of the past week, we’ve received reports of a…

The Government of Canada has just announced what measures will be taken this year to protect North Atlantic right whales…

Around the globe, many people are concerned by the plight of cetaceans. February 19 is the international day dedicated to…

Two large rorquals sparked a good deal of excitement this week: a humpback whale in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park…

From tourism to geography, Mélissa Tremblay’s career path ultimately led her to the Group for Research and Education on Marine…

Signs of affection, saying “I love you” and showing it with sweet gestures. Such is the essence of Valentine’s Day.…

The number of fin whales frequenting the Gulf of St. Lawrence that bear entanglement marks and scars is much higher…

Between the snow squalls, a small group of belugas weaves its way through the ice floes off Les Bergeronnes on…

When a young grey seal is found nearly a kilometre inland in the Magdalen Islands, what’s the best course of…

“I’ve never seen so many seals on this side of the peninsula,” exclaims one observer posted in the Gaspé town…

The environment of cetaceans in the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf is changing. Peter Galbraith, physical oceanographer at Fisheries and…

Looking for a getaway? Here’s a chance to do just that. The 15th edition of Whale Tales will be held…

The fin whale Bp955, a.k.a. “Ti-Croche”, has just revealed precious secrets on the migratory movements of its species. On October…

Belugas live in remarkably complex societies with very diverse relationships, so much so that they might be considered closer to…

In winter, the majority of humpback whales that frequent the St. Lawrence are believed to be hundreds of kilometres away,…

Despite having analyzed cross-referenced data on the body condition, behaviour and the carcass of a female humpback that visited Montréal,…

New observations of blue whales have been made in the waters of the Arabian Sea and in the northwestern corner…

Frequenting British Columbia waters, the southern resident killer whale population is estimated to number approximately 72 individuals. On January 14, the…

GREMM Lead Technician Michel Moisan has a strong interest in electronics combined with a keen analytical talent to quickly identify…

As one might expect during the winter, whale sightings are becoming increasingly scarce. A few belugas and scattered large spouts…

The breeding season for North Atlantic right whales is in full swing. As of January 22, 2021, 17 healthy calves…

When discussing the impacts of an accident between a ship and a marine mammal, we generally focus on the physical…

One of the challenges of observing whales is the long dives that the animals take. The lives of whales take…

In 2020, a fossil dating from the Oligocene was studied in South Carolina by a US research team. The fossil…

The 2019-2020 holiday season had been particularly busy with sightings, to the point that we published a map of the…

Imagine that your dining room, your bedroom and your child’s day care were constantly being driven through by high-speed vehicles.…

In the realm of conservation and research, long-term efforts to further our knowledge about cetaceans and protect them continue. This…

Observers are simply astonished to report the continued presence of minke whales, humpbacks and fin whales once again this week.…

It is quite unusual for a striped dolphin to be found anywhere in the St. Lawrence, to say the least.…

Whether it is a whale, a porpoise or a dolphin that you find stranded on the beach or swimming in…

Its bushy whiskers glisten in the afternoon sunlight. Its little head approaches a rock. For a minute or so, the…

The 2020 holiday season will come with its share of challenges, just like the periods of adaptation that we all…

What would the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) be without its 187 volunteers? Thanks to the 160 hours…

For residents of the Gaspé, whales are still entertaining observers, while elsewhere sightings are becoming increasingly rare. On November 28…

Because they live in water and must constantly dive to forage or to move, cetaceans have developed a great number…

There are believed to be around 360 North Atlantic right whales left in the world, and probably fewer than a…

When passing close to shore, minke whales can swim lazily or slice through the water like rockets. These days, observers…

A dolphin found itself in an awkward position on November 21 near Gros-Cap, in the Magdalen Islands. Out for a…

Minke and humpback whales are soaring in the air these days, while other members of their species bustle about at…

In the animated film Pinocchio, the famous puppet is swallowed by a whale, then lives in its belly for a…

As we know, whales are big eaters and can detect their prey from afar, some species thanks to their sense…

The video of two kayakers getting caught in the mouth of a humpback has been viewed around the world. Off…

Late in the day on November 9, a symphony of spouts resonates off the coast of Cap-aux-Os in the Gaspé…

Until recently, researchers still spoke of a population of some 400 North Atlantic right whales. But new estimates released last…

Whether on shore, on the rocks or on ice, seals can appear throughout the Gulf of St. Lawrence or the…

If you are a seasoned observer (read: hundreds of hours of observation at a minimum) and weather conditions allow, certain…

Field notes written in collaboration with Laurence Tremblay A field season full of surprises is coming to an end for…

A white beluga swims with a darker-skinned beluga at its side. Most likely a mother and her calf. The two…

A beluga carcass washed up in Cacouna on October 18, 2020. This young male is the fifteenth beluga to be…

While three oil drilling projects off the coast of Newfoundland are being fast-tracked by the Canadian government, one faithful reader…

From Cap de Bon-Désir in Les Bergeronnes, Renaud Pintiaux counts two humpbacks and eight fin whales through his binoculars on…

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is organizing a public consultation on the impact of noise in Canada’s oceans, and you are…

Among its many missions, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) manages cases of marine mammals known as “vagrants”,…

In the past few days, the whale-watching cruise season has ended, both on the North Shore and in the Gaspé Peninsula.…

It’s 9 in the evening, and a group of ten or so kayakers venture out onto the St. Lawrence with…

As Quebec slowly gets deeper into autumn, foliage reaches its peak and the wind gusts and rain grow more intense,…

This past week in the St. Lawrence Estuary, it was a funny-looking rounded black back with a V-shaped breath that…

The existence of hybrids resulting from the cross between the two largest animals in the world – the fin whale…

Early fall is the best time of year for whales!” says Renaud Pintiaux, who has been watching cetaceans nearly every…

Just how contaminated are the belugas of the St. Lawrence? This very question became the research topic of Antoine Simond…

“What? Dolphins? Here?” wonders one reader. For many people, when the talk turns to dolphins, the first thing that comes…

It is bigger than the largest dinosaur. And it weighs roughly 25 times more than the largest living land animal,…

Although the beluga is sometimes referred to as a “white porpoise” and has several similarities to the harbour porpoise, the terms “beluga”…

One after the other, cavernous blows burst into the air, leaving six white, cylindrical columns that slowly fade into oblivion.…

Whether on water or on land, the research activities carried out by the Group for Research and Education on Marine…

In summertime, are you the type of person who returns year after year to the same campsite or same chalet,…

Since 8 o’clock in the morning, GREMM (Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals) research assistant Mathieu Marzelière has…

More than half of all St. Lawrence belugas and two-thirds of females frequent the Saguenay. This finding was made by…

It may seem surprising, but up until a few months ago, the diet of the St. Lawrence beluga was not…

Raging winds over the St. Lawrence have been stirring up waves there since August 25. Landbound observers scan the sea,…

There are pictures you only take once in your life. This one comes to us from off the coasts of…

In 2020, four different species of seals were observed in the Montréal metropolitan region, hundreds of kilometres from their normal…

Every so often, a solitary whale makes headlines. It might be a beluga seen off the coast San Diego, California,…

Updated to August 25, 2020 Despite active search parties by fishery officers and collaborators, the entangled humpback whale was not…

The first two residents of a whale sanctuary have now been swimming in Klettsvik Bay since August 8, 2020. Belugas…

The largest animal on Earth – even bigger than the largest dinosaur – the blue whale impresses with its sheer…

In order to be able to respond more quickly and efficiently to emergencies involving marine mammals along the shores of…

Once again this summer, Baie Sainte-Marguerite will be closed to navigation from June 21 to September 21. Since 2018, navigation…

Like thousands of other pleasure boaters, do you enjoy taking advantage of warm summer days to operate your craft in…

On August 4, a speckled back contrasts with the white backs of belugas swimming below the Pointe-Noire land observation platform…

Normally, whale experts up and down the St. Lawrence would have begun their research a long time ago. However, the…

After months of diligent efforts, a work site put on hold by COVID-19 measures and numerous challenges along the way,…

Atlantic white-sided dolphins by the hundreds, fin whales by the dozens, acrobatic humpbacks: observers in the Gaspé have had plenty…

What a pleasure it is to cross paths with large rorquals! This week, we encountered two blue whales, nearly a…

What happens on the other end of the line while and after a case is reported to the Quebec Marine…

Have you ever heard a minke whale feeding at the surface? What a ruckus! An explosive spout is heard and,…

Within the animal kingdom, most species adjust their periods of sleep and activity according to a repeated 24-hour cycle called…

The answer is simple: by reporting a carcass to the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN), you are helping…

July 9: Off the coast of Matane, a humpback whale takes a dive. All eyes focus on its black-and-white tail;…

When fall returns, the humpbacks of the St. Lawrence head to the Caribbean for the winter. In the space of…

The number of observers on the water and on shore is on the upswing. However, some days, despite all their…

This year, GREMM’s (Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals) season of field research kicked off on June 15.…

How many North Atlantic right whales are left in the world? If the answer today hovers around 400, for researchers,…

The first North Atlantic right whale carcass in 2020 was spotted during an aerial survey on June 25, drifting off…

July 1, Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park. In the dusty light at the end of the day, light breaths appear for a…

Friday, May 15, 9:30 a.m. Fully dressed and knapsack ready to go, I can hardly wait to kick off this special…

After a week brimming with observations, local residents have noted a slow-down in whale activity in recent days. Is the…

Since the start of the year, news concerning protection measures specific to North Atlantic right whales has been like a…

A young bearded seal is observed from June 23 to June 28 at the BoBiNo marina in Laval. This species…

Many people are concerned by the tags and chords they occasionally see attached to a seal or whale carcass. Sometimes,…

Pollution can accumulate in whales' bodies and cause them serious health problems. “Can we flush this pollution out of a…

Witnessing a whale accompanied by a baby – also known as a calf – brings observers great joy. But when…

With the return of warmer weather, kayakers and boaters are setting out to go fishing, enjoy the saline air or…

Although all the projectors have been on the stray humpback whale between Québec City and Montréal, this individual is not the…

On June 10, the team from Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine performed a necropsy on the whale, meaning…

The humpback as an ambassador for a greater cause We understand the emotional aspect of the situation. Local residents who…

It’s not just the humpback whale in Montréal that’s making waves! On June 1, an observer takes advantage of a…

In many places around the globe, ecotourism organizations offer the opportunity to swim with marine mammals. Whether we’re talking about…

Many people have been writing to us to express their concern about the humpback whale currently in Montréal. We appreciate…

Five greyish-blue backs contrast with the still snow-capped Chic-Chocs in the Gaspé. A black back near the bridges of Québec…

A few days ago, I set sail out of Matane with a friend of mine. In the protected waters between…

Following our article on the various killer whale ecotypes, one reader asked whether killer whales of different ecotypes are able…

“Mortality figures for 2019 are hardly reassuring,” comments Robert Michaud, scientific director for the Group for Research and Education on…

A beluga carcass washed ashore in Matane late in the day on May 15. This is the first case this…

The jagged black-and-white tails of humpback whales are prompting shouts of joy from observers in Les Bergeronnes, Franquelin and Port-Cartier’s Rivière-Pentecôte sector this…

It is widely known that the North Atlantic right whale population is struggling, but a study has recently underscored just…

In spring, many observers report seeing seals on the shores of the St. Lawrence. The sun is out more and…

Observers occasionally send us some of their whale photos. Depending on the species, GREMM’s team examines these photos in the…

The endangered North Atlantic right whale is subject to special surveillance and protection measures. Since 2017, the species has been…

This video went viral on social networks around the globe. And for good reason. How awesome to view the world…

After wintering in the coastal waters of Florida and Georgia, right whales are back in the Gulf of St. Lawrence!…

During the summer months, thirteen species of whales feed in the rich waters of the St. Lawrence. Some species are…

Certainly you know that there are several species of whales and many species of dolphins. But did you know that…

Are you an avid kayaker, sailboater or motorboat enthusiast, and do you frequent the St. Lawrence or the Saguenay? The…

In Iceland, the two main commercial whaling companies have announced in the past few days that they will not be…

Creating a “retirement home” in the open sea that is capable of providing the best possible living conditions for whales…

For cetacean enthusiasts, April is synonymous with the return of these great migrants. Increasing numbers of them are coming to…

From Haute-Côte-Nord to Charlevoix, belugas continue to delight observers. On April 24, a herd of about seven was spotted swimming…

After a week of severe weather in September 2019, a naturalist from the whale-watching outfitter Croisières Escoumins wondered whether whales…

April 15: “I’m watching a herd of belugas entering the Saguenay right now,” remarks Renaud Pintiaux on the other end…

On April 15, a beluga was observed in Chaleur Bay near Saint-Siméon-de-Bonaventure, in the Gaspé Peninsula. Witnesses contacted the Quebec…

By Valeria Vergara, researcher with Ocean Wise’s Marine Mammal Conservation Research Program, specialist of acoustic communication in beluga whales and collaborator…

This question comes to us via our Whales Online Facebook page: Could the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting humans around the globe…

In the course of our round of calls, most of our observers say they are delighted to be seeing migrating…

Seven seal carcasses were reported in the Magdalen Islands and one in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region over the weekend of April…

Whether you’re on the North Shore or in the Gaspé Peninsula, when you live near the St. Lawrence, it’s easy…

"Finally, our first observation of 2020!” writes in an observer residing in Cap-des-Rosiers in the Gaspé Peninsula. On March 29, a…

Whether you’re on the North Shore or in the Gaspé Peninsula, when you live near the St. Lawrence, it’s easy…

In order to comply with current government guidelines for COVID-19, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) is continually…

Researchers witnessed a rare event in Mossel Bay, at the southern tip of the African continent: two great white sharks…

This question comes from residents of Godbout, a small village in Quebec’s Côte-Nord region. In this municipality, starting point of…

The Marine Mammal Emergencies call centre remains active as usual, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. If you…

We received the first report for 2020 of a minke whale in the St. Lawrence! It was an individual out…

Good news! Aramis, daughter of the famous humpback whale Tic Tac Toe, recently gave birth to her very first documented…

For researchers, studying the giants of the seas is no easy task! For example, how do they quantify how much…

Whales, which have been around for roughly 30 million years, are estimated to have reached their current size 4.5 million…

In 2017, Ruth Joy and her team (ECHO) conducted a study on the correlation between speed limit reductions and noise…

“72!” That’s how many seals our collaborator Laeticia Desbordes is lucky enough to observe and carefully tally early this week…

The engines of the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker CCGS Amundsen vibrate beneath the feet of researchers hailing from a dozen…

Across Canada and the US in early January, North Atlantic right whale experts, marine mammal veterinarians and whale rescue specialists…

In early February, an adult male killer whale was spotted off the coast of Lebanon, near Beirut. A rare occurrence…

Speed limits reduced to 10 knots in certain areas, closure of fishing zones, increased surveillance: the Government of Canada has…

When you’re passionate about whales, you really are. For the past fifteen years, Renaud Pintiaux has been a volunteer, employee,…

6:30 a.m.: The alarm goes off, sounding the start of a new day in the field. I’m not in Tadoussac,…

Pointe-des-Monts, February 8: You don’t need a thermometer to know the air is frigid: sea smoke hangs over the St.…

In a press release, GNL Québec has undertaken to set up a $5M fund to support projects reducing the underwater…

To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Whales Online team decided to retrace the journey of technician Marie-Hélène D’Arcy,…

Before heading south to more temperate climates, let’s take a brief look at sightings here in the St. Lawrence. Posted…

February 3, off the coast of Maui, Hawaii: The captain of a whale-watching cruise observes three humpback whales. According to…

At the time of his most recent interview with a Whales Online intern in the fall of 2018, Michel Martin,…

Humpback whales travel to warm Caribbean waters to give birth, while North Atlantic right whales calve in the waters of…

One reader sent us this video from Blue Planet Live in which researchers were collecting pieces of dead skin that…

A new publication on marine mammals. Long fascinated by cetacean intelligence, Janet Mann, professor of biology and psychology at Washington,…

In early January, GREMM (Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals) received numerous calls from observers claiming to have…

"The ice is starting to form": this observation is being made almost everywhere along the St. Lawrence of late. Its…

The future is an increasingly gloomy one for the North Atlantic right whale, an endangered species whose numbers have been…

Blues, fins, humpbacks. Minke whales. Belugas. Even harbour porpoises! Not to mention thousands of harp seals and harbour seals. The…

In an uncommon exercise in cetacean research, a team successfully placed a tag with electrodes on the back of a…

With the onset of winter, observations are becoming fewer and farther between. Most cetaceans have migrated to the Caribbean or…

November 9, 2019: The Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network receives a report of a female beluga carcass on the…

Some 2,500 biologists, veterinarians, conservationists and wildlife managers from 95 countries are gearing up to gather in Barcelona for the…

November 27: In GREMM’s (Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals) offices in Tadoussac, staff members are busy working…

Revisiting the photos I took this past summer, I pondered some of the specific markings I had observed on blue…

With the short days of November and the appearance of the first ice, observers on the water are growing more…

This article is part of a series of portraits of people involved in some way with whales on the North…

This article is part of a series of portraits of people involved in some way with whales on the North…

A number of studies show that in different species of baleen whales, mothers and their offspring communicate in a very…

Accompanied by experienced divers Jill Heinerth and Mario Cyr, discover the pack ice and its animals with Arctic Adventure, an…

November 20, Cap de Bon-Désir in Les Bergeronnes: our collaborator Renaud Pintiaux settles down to take a few pictures of…

The summer 2019 season has drawn to a close. It’s time for the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN)…

The pectoral fins of humpback whales, with their enormous size and jagged edges, are quite different from those of other…

The impact of the global decline of cetaceans is not fully understood, as it has never been quantified. But the…

This question is from Marie-Hélène D’Arcy, beluga photo-ID technician at the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM).…

This article is part of a series of portraits of people involved in some way with whales on the North…

This article is part of a series of portraits of people involved in some way with whales on the North…

For his last outing of the season, a recreational fisherman sets out in La Tabatière, in Quebec’s Basse-Côte-Nord region. While his…

This article is part of a series of portraits of people involved in some way with whales on the North…

By Anik Boileau, Veterinary Science Researcher and Director of CERSI With the arrival of fall in the Sept-Îles region, it’s…

This article is part of a series of portraits of people involved in some way with whales on the North…

This article is part of a series of portraits of people involved in some way with whales on the North…

This article is part of a series of portraits of people involved in some way with whales on the North…

This article is part of a series of portraits of people involved in some way with whales on the North…

This article is part of a series of portraits of people involved in some way with whales on the North…

This year in the St. Lawrence, no fewer than 13 mother-calf humpback pairs have been identified by teams from the…

October 9: an Indian summer day, a calm St. Lawrence, spectacular fall foliage… the BpJAM sets sail for one of its…

By Valerie Jolicoeur, master student at UQAM This fall, I embarked on a major Master’s project that focuses on the…

As the number of eyes scanning the water decreases, the number of sightings reported is also on the decline. Are…

In summer, the St. Lawrence is a feeding ground for a number of blue whales of the northwest Atlantic population.…

More and more studies are suggesting that numerous so-called endocrine disruptors are accumulating in the tissues of whales and posing…

A new documentary was just released by the National Film Board of Canada. Here is the synopsis. «On the otherwise…

Two observers, one in Les Escoumins (north shore), the other in Baie-des-Sables (south shore), asked the following question this week:…

On September 30, leading climate activist Greta Thunberg accompanied the scientific research team of the Group for Research and Education…

For four decades, research on blue whale behaviour has been trying to unravel the mysteries of their reproduction. A bit…

Seven black-and-white tails rise into the air one after the other before disappearing into the dark river. “It’s a ballet…

Perhaps because they prefer coastal habitats, minke whales are one of the most frequently observed cetacean species in the St.…

The North Atlantic right whale carcass found off Long Island, New York on September 16 was identified by the New…

A three-way ballet… a race in which body touches body. All around the massive but elegant blue whales, water splashes,…

The last trip offshore for the year took place on November 4. Here is the second part of these Field…

The sighting map appears a little sparse this week. Have all the whales left? Not necessarily. Weather conditions prevented many…

September 6: While part of the team is returning from Alaska to lend a hand to researchers studying the beluga…