Whales Identified in Côte-Nord!

Photo-identification is used to identify these individuals. This technique allows scientists to track the movements, behaviours and social organization of whales. In humpbacks, the colour pattern of the caudal fin is unique to each individual and greatly facilitates this exercise. However, some individuals, such as Garou or Aramis, do not always show their tail when they dive, meaning one must rely on their natural markings and the shape of their dorsal fin.

In Franquelin, a marine mammal enthusiast was able to spot a minke whale through the waves. A local resident reportedly saw two humpback whales, not to mention that harbour porpoises and grey seals were also observed in the area.

A seasoned boater from L’Isle-aux-Coudres wrote to our team earlier in the week to share his sightings of several marine mammals. “From the northern shore of Isle aux Coudres, I was able to observe what appeared to me to be harbour porpoises. Possibly two or three, more or less in the middle of the river, opposite the wharf in St-Joseph-de-la-Rive, just as the tide was starting to fall and heading upriver toward Baie-St-Paul.” Indeed, his description of the animals corresponds to this species: a small, dark, fast-swimming cetacean with a visible dorsal fin and a rounded back. It was the first time he had ever seen these small cetaceans in the waters around the island. That wasn’t all, however, as there was a good diversity of marine life that day. “There was also a minke whale, which is rarer in the area, but not impossible and anyway much bigger.” Needless to say, the presence of food might have attracted all these fascinating creatures! “Judging by the how the seabirds such as cormorants and other diving ducks were behaving, together with the presence of belugas and a seal, food was most likely abundant.”

In Les Escoumins, a few lucky souls were able to observe a humpback whale in all its splendour as it performed a full breach near the Marine Environment Discovery Centre. These acrobatics are part of the species’ usual behavioural repertoire. Although this display managed to wow the gallery, its origins are more mysterious. Play, seduction during reproduction, communication between individuals… many hypotheses exist to explain the purpose of breaches. It is also possible that whales adopt this behaviour to rid themselves of the parasites covering their skin or to improve their diving capability.

Elsewhere in the St. Lawrence

Our dedicated observers reported the presence of seals in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Matane, Métis-sur-Mer and Grande-Vallée. Minke whales and humpbacks are still present in the Gaspé Bay sector. Two minke whales were also seen from the shores of Chaleur Bay. A most interesting observation of pilot whales was also shared with our team from mariners in the Gulf of St. Lawrence!

Where are the whales this week? Observations map