In Search of Large Rorquals

At the present time, GREMM is actively carrying out two important research projects: photo-identification of belugas and a similar initiative for large rorquals, namely humpbacks, fin whales and blue whales. The project I’m taking part in today is the second one. On our way to the first observation point, my colleague Stéphanie yells out the answers to my questions while the raging wind muffles our words. She explains to me that most of our field work consists of spotting spouts offshore and then managing to carefully approach the whales to photograph them and, ideally, capture drone images of each animal from the sky. During their outings, the research team sails the estuary on a predetermined course from Tadoussac to the small islands known as Îlets Boisés. At each observation point, they scan the surroundings for at least ten minutes, and if a spout is observed, they set off in the corresponding direction.

The rising sun reflecting off the surface forces me to squint as I scan the horizon for jets of air. Equipped with my fluorescent orange Mustang flotation jacket – essential outerwear for long trips into deep water – I’m protected from head to toe against any inclement weather on the river. Sitting on the edge of the boat, I get sprayed in the back with what’s left of the waves, without even being aware of it.

Scanning the sea, we are initially baffled by the noisy and particularly conspicuous spouts of minke whales all around us. Large rorquals are generally spotted from afar by their powerful blows spewing into the air. This morning, it’s minke whales that seem to be vying for our attention as they timidly try to imitate the impressive exhalations of their larger cousins. Meanwhile, I try to hold back my excitement at each new sight of a marine mammal – from minke whales to porpoises to grey seals – while each finger pointed at the water in astonishment is a false alarm for my colleagues absorbed in their search for large whales.

After a few minutes, a powerful jet spurts through the churning waters. This one is definitely not a minke. Slowly, Mathieu brings us closer, trying to anticipate where the animal will resurface. Stéphanie quickly gets out her camera and positions herself on her pedestal. Another spout erupts between the waves. And another. Then, like a slow caress, a long greyish back glides across the water surface. This is my first encounter with a fin whale, the second largest mammal in the world.

Unlike humpbacks, fin whales seldom lift their tails. To identify them, specialists look at the patterns of their chevron (milky-white behind the blowhole, more pronounced markings on the right flank), the markings on their curved dorsal fin and the scars on their back.