Boater Awareness
In the latest issue of its magazine Plaisance (September 2016), the Regroupement des plaisanciers du Québec (Quebec boaters society, RQP) reminds recreational boaters of the rules to follow when observing St. Lawrence belugas.
Boaters have an important role to play in protecting this endangered population. In summer months, they frequently encounter belugas in the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Saguenay Fjord. It’s also in summer that female belugas give birth, feed and raise their newborns.
“We need space and tranquillity to take proper care of our young, feed and rest. When you spot us, we request that you slow down and not try to approach us. Maintain a distance of at least 400 metres between us and your boat. Even if we swim toward your boat, slowly and cautiously move away and do not stop – we are not looking for playmates!”, mentions April, the beluga adopted by the RPQ in 2016 in the context of the Adopt a Beluga campaign, during a fictitious interview.
The RPQ is thereby participating in efforts to raise awareness for the protection of St. Lawrence belugas. This follows the awareness campaign conducted from July 29 to 31 by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada, in collaboration with the Marine Mammal Ecowatch Network (ROMM) and the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM).
Protecting this emblem of the St. Lawrence is everyone’s responsibility!
To subscribe to the Plaisance magazine (in French):
Béatrice Riché
Béatrice Riché has served as editor for the GREMM in 2016. She holds an MSc in environmental science and has spent several years working abroad in the fields of resource conservation, species at risk and climate change. Back on the shores of the St. Lawrence, which she keeps watch over every day, Béatrice writes columns on whales, drawing inspiration from events taking place here and afar.
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