On the Ice Floes

This newly formed ice cover in some areas seems to be keeping cetaceans away from the coast, making it impossible to catch sight of any spouts on the horizon. However, this is not synonymous with a complete absence of whales! A local resident spotted a minke whale and a harbour porpoise from the shores of Godbout, where the ice is still very thin. “This is the first time I’ve seen this in the middle of January!” he exclaims.

Usually at this time of year, it is not uncommon to see blue whales in the St. Lawrence. In 2021, however, they were rare all year, a trend that seems to be carrying over into 2022. No blue whales have been spotted for several weeks, raising certain questions about their distribution. For example, are they less numerous, or is the lack of observations due to the stubborn weather impeding trips out to sea?

Be that as it may, even if the presence of ice is not ideal for admiring marine life in the Estuary or in the Gulf, it is being welcomed with a certain enthusiasm by the scientific community. It should be recalled that this ice plays an important role in these ecosystems. Amongst other things, it helps protect the coast from erosion and regulate the circulation of ocean waters as well as the air temperature, in addition to providing an essential resting area for pinnipeds.

In the absence of whales, let’s enjoy the splendid winter landscapes of the St. Lawrence!

In order to continue to feed our “Observations of the Week” column, we need to recruit new volunteer observers who can relay to us their weekly encounters with marine mammals. More precisely, we are looking for individuals based in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region and downstream of Sept-Îles. Interested? Drop us a line at [email protected].