Magazine
Nostalgia for Whales
Big blasts off the coast of Franquelin, several large rorquals in Gaspésie and gatherings of belugas in the estuary... it…
The St. Lawrence and the Colours of Fall
In the St. Lawrence, the blazing colours of the coast contrast with the dark backs of humpback whales, the bright…
Blue Whales, Blue Sky and Blue Waters
With four blue whales spotted in the estuary, two near Franquelin and three in Gaspésie, it’s almost as if fall…
Destination Belugas with CacounAir
Par Sami Jay Wagner-Beaulieu et Hugo Catineau, techniciens pilote de drone pour la brigade béluga rive sud The arrival of…
Blue Whales in the Estuary: Pleiades and Bird of Prey
Without a doubt, the big stars of the estuary this week are blue whales! These giant visitors have been identified:…
A Second Visit for Phoenix and Éline
The past week was ideal for enjoying the cool weather and those who ventured to the shores of the St.…
Heading for the Saguenay Fjord with Antarès
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…
Rice’s Whale: Newly Discovered and Already on the Brink of Extinction
Though only discovered in 2021, the Rice’s whale (Balaenoptera ricei) is one of the most endangered whales in the world.…
Phantom Whales
The mystical appearance of the St. Lawrence was certainly a plus during the week leading up to Halloween! And the…
Out-of-Habitat Cetaceans
What a surprise it was for Montréal’s urbanites when a humpback whale visited the city’s port in 2020! This event…
Once upon a time, there was the St. Lawrence beluga…
A year-round resident of the St. Lawrence, the beluga inspires admiration. With their ever-smirky facial expressions, belugas have become one…
A seaside reverie
What a joy to see whales and seals slip out of the water for a few seconds before completely vanishing,…
Right Whale Hunting: A Historical Review
Are we witnessing the return of the right whale to its ancestral territory? For the past ten years plus, North…
The Thousand and One Wonders of the St. Lawrence
This week was marked by blue whales in the estuary, belugas in Cap-aux-Oies, right whales in the Mingan sector, harbour…
Return of the Bhulan
Since time immemorial, a mysterious creature has been said to reside in the waters of one of the largest of…
Maelstrom of Marine Mammals
Fair weather, cool autumn breezes... What more could you ask for this September? How about lingering blue whales, a host…
Sharks of the St. Lawrence: Dispelling Myths and Preserving the Ecological Balance
Sharks are often imagined as ruthless predators. This extreme representation obscures the complex truth of these marine animals, which are…
Understanding the Effects of Physical and Chemical Water Conditions on Underwater Noise
By : Sarah Duquette, resource management technician for Parks Canada This morning, my alarm went off at 5:30 and, believe me,…
Marine Life in Full Swing
A small adventurous rorqual, identified belugas, the arrival of several large rorquals... What more could you ask for in late…
Setting Sail with White-sided Dolphins
By Estelle Pagé It’s 6 in the morning, and my sailing shift has just begun. After six days in the…
Whales, Glitter and Local Fare
A bioluminescent night with belugas in Tadoussac, a humpback whale breaching during a meal in Les Escoumins, dozens of right…
Cabinet of Curiosities: Unusual Whales!
The reason marine mammals fascinate us so much is that we are far from having unravelled all of their mysteries!…
White-sided Dolphin and Fin Whale Acrobatics
Whether it’s groups of white-sided dolphins breaking the surface in successive bursts, minke whales showing their bellies, or the humpback…
AI to the Rescue of Whales
What if the future of cetacean protection no longer relied solely on humans, but also on artificial intelligence? In the…
Cetacean Olympics
Just like the top athletes at the Olympic Games in Paris, cetaceans also hold a number of records! From blue…
Ambergris: The Secret Treasure of Sperm Whales
Ambergris, a mysterious treasure of the deep seas, has captivated the human imagination for centuries. This rare substance has crossed…
Whales in All Their Splendour
Whether it’s a blue whale swimming off the coast of Matane, fin whales in Gaspé Bay, North Atlantic right whales…
Orcas and their ecotypes
Not all orcas (Orcanus orca) are the same! Did you know that there are currently a dozen different subspecies? Orcas…
Vacations in Whale Country
There is something romantic and relaxing about the seaside, which is perhaps why vacationers make a mad dash to the…
Fin Whales’ Winter Journey
Every summer, fin whales come to the nutrient-rich waters of the St. Lawrence to feed, only to leave at the…
St. Lawrence Rorqual Grand Slam
Imagine having the chance to see all four species of rorquals that frequent the St. Lawrence in the same day!…
Five Actions to Help St. Lawrence Belugas
The endangered St. Lawrence beluga needs your help to recover. For several years, the Group for Research and Education on…
Encounter with a Beached Minke Whale
I’m riding the ferry between Trois-Pistoles and Les Escoumins when my phone rings. To be honest, I miss the call…
Whale Frenzy
From the smallest to the largest, whales of all sorts are currently gathered in the St. Lawrence! Harbour porpoises are…
Why are North Atlantic right whales unable to reproduce?
The birth rate of North Atlantic right whales is very close to the species’ mortality rate. Classified as endangered for…
Return of Siam and a Basking Shark in Gaspésie
Siam, the estuary’s oldest humpback whale, is back! Whales were swimming just about everywhere in the St. Lawrence, including good…
Cetaceans: the new stars of vocal rhythm research
Cetaceans could be the new stars of vocal rhythm research. A recent study provides the reasons behind why these species…
Gaspar, Piton and Blue Whales in the Gulf
It appears that whales have finally made a big return to the estuary and gulf! From one end of the…
Gala de la Terre Supports Three Environmental Organizations
The 2024 Gala de la Terre was a huge success! The third edition of this major event took place at…
Physical Indicators: A Different Way to Study Whales
How do we know whether or not the whales of the St. Lawrence are doing well? This is the mission…
A Hybrid Rorqual in the St. Lawrence?
With the heatwave of the last few days, the cool, refreshing winds blowing over the river were certainly more than…
Feet on the Ground, Eyes on the Water
Whether it’s the glistening white backs of belugas in the estuary, abundant minke whales, or the humpback whale Irisept eating…
Tic Tac Toe – Live
The humpback whale Tic Tac Toe has been back in the Marine Park since May 29. Images transmitted to the…
Eating Their Fill
Whether they consume krill, fish or invertebrates, whales come to feed in the St. Lawrence and the immense smörgåsbord it…
Sei Whale vs. Bowhead Whale: What’s the Difference?
Despite their similar names in French, the sei whale and the bowhead whale are two very distinct species! To eliminate…
Return of a Legend: Tic Tac Toe is in the Estuary
The humpback whale Tic Tac Toe was observed in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park for the first time this year!…
Gala de la Terre: Belugas Given a Voice at Montréal’s Maison Symphonique
What if, for one evening, belugas were to become choir singers? Thanks to a composition by Claudie Bertounesque, which will…
Five fin whales in the estuary, including Orion and Bp913!
Fin whales are stealing the show this week, in large numbers. Individuals have even been identified, and some regulars are…
Belugas in color and minke whales in action!
This week in the St. Lawrence, beluga vocalizations accompany the northern lights, while minke whales attract attention with their spectacular…
Parasites in Marine mammals: A Toxic Relationship
Parasite. A word that often sends shivers down our spines. However, marine mammals are highly accustomed to them. Cetaceans and…
Minke Whales Disguised as Orcas
Between the splashing waves, we spot a couple dark fins moving. We can definitely recognize the signs of a large…
The Excitement of White Whales
Increasing numbers of groups of belugas are being spotted in the estuary, swimming amongst the quietly returning minke whales. Harbour…
The Winter Migration of the Fin Whale Ti-Croche
The migrations of large rorquals still hold many mysteries. Where do they go in winter? How long do they stay…
How can I find work with whales?
In a few weeks from now, scientists will be plying the waters of the St. Lawrence with the aim of…
Belugas and Migrating Birds
This past week, belugas have been seen from both shores of the estuary. Humpbacks, minke whales and seals were also…
2023 Beluga Mortality Assessment: The Trend Continues
According to data from the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN), last year saw the recovery of 17 beluga…
Whales Return to the Estuary
Two fin whales, good numbers of belugas, several minke whales, a humpback… The tally of cetaceans observed in the waters…
Cetacean Sex Lives: Beyond Reproduction
An article published a few weeks ago relates an unexpected interaction between two male humpback whales. Indeed, the two bulls…
Marine Mammals and the Eclipse
On April 8, the banks of the St. Lawrence were basked in sunset-like lighting during the solar eclipse. For those…
Unravelling the Mysteries of Hybridization in Blue Whales
Hunted, threatened, decimated. The largest of giants suffered greatly at the hands of humans throughout the 20th century and is…
April Whales
“Fin whales in Les Escoumins,” remarks one avid yet impressed observer: “Their powerful breaths really hit you in the gut!” “A…
A Week of Large Rorquals
Large rorquals continuing to wow observers, a few belugas, harp seals resting on the ice and harbour seals... What more…
Satellite Teams: Strengthening QMMERN’s Response Capacity across Quebec’s Vast Territory
With fewer phone calls coming into Marine Mammal Emergencies (UMM) in winter than during the high season, it’s the perfect…
Blue Whales for the Start of Spring
“Seeing them breath when it’s cold is even more impressive! When we talk about 10 metres high, it’s really 10…
Gearing Up For Spring
A spring snow squall, minke whales slowly arriving, humpbacks breaching and river otters peering at the camera... The riverbanks were…
ROUND-UP OF 2024 NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE NEWS
After being hunted for centuries, today’s North Atlantic right whales face many challenges, including entanglements with fishing gear, ship strikes…
Container Ship in Distress in the Estuary: QMMERN on Alert
7 Short Blasts and 1 Long Blast “I was woken up by seven short blasts followed by one long one.…
Whales, Belugas and Seals: A Busy Week on the North Shore
There's been plenty of action in the St. Lawrence in these first few days of March! Several belugas were seen…
Meredith Sherrill: An Example of Tenacity for Working with Whales!
To work with whales, Meredith’s journey took her to California, Michigan, Scotland, and ultimately to Quebec! Meredith Sherrill is a…
Harp Seals, on the Ice and in the Water
In terms of marine mammal sightings, the week can be summed up by harp seals at several locations in the…
Speed Reductions in the Presence of Whales Prove Effective
Have you ever wondered why speed limits are imposed in certain shipping areas? Part of the answer can be summed…
Interpreting the Extraordinary Surface Behaviour of Humpback Whales
Humpback whales are also particularly entertaining, lifting their tails when diving, performing successive breaches, striking their pectorals or tail on…
Blue Whale in Les Escoumins
It seems that the biggest giant of all has paid a little visit to Les Escoumins! In fact, several local…
The Inspiring Story of the Grey Whale
Each in their own way, every species on our planet must cope with the impacts of human actions, paving way…
Good News for St. Lawrence Belugas
World Whale Day is the perfect opportunity to make some big announcements for belugas! Thanks to a new census method,…
Large Spouts Offshore and Seals on the Ice
Large rorquals continue to blow off the coasts of Franquelin and Godbout, making for some extraordinary winter observations. Elsewhere in…
When February Feels like July
Once again this week, blue whales have been on the prowl, with one spotted in Franquelin, others in Godbout and…
Working With Whales: A Dream Come True for Jade-Audrey
When she was just 11 years old, Jade-Audrey already knew she wanted to work with cetaceans. Years later, her childhood…
Élizabeth: Woman of Science and Belugas
Élizabeth, research assistant for the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), has been photographing belugas since May…
The Big Blue
Viewed from the window, a powerful blast erupts from the river’s murky waters. From the comfort of their own home,…
The Secret Societies of Sperm Whales
Are sperm whales really as solitary as we think? The answer might surprise you. Indeed, you probably would have never…
Large Rorquals Under the Winter Sun
If it weren’t for the snow-covered shoreline and the sub-zero temperatures, Franquelin residents could almost be forgiven for thinking it’s…
North Atlantic Right Whale Calving Season Still Far Under Par
* As of January 29, 2024, the total number of calves born was 16. An exceptional event was observed a…
Winter Doldrums
Throughout the St. Lawrence, the snowfall of the past few days has put a damper on opportunities for watching marine…
Fin whales for the New Year
The presence of fin whales in the estuary surprised observers just in time for New Year’s. Harp seals have been…
Why do humpback whales sometimes interact with algae?
In an immense expanse of blue, a long and slender silhouette gently rises above the water surface. A string of…
Top five films and documentaries about whales
The holiday season is the perfect time to immerse yourself in stories about marine mammals and relax in front of…
Sparkling belugas
Across the St. Lawrence, it was the tranquility of sightings that marked the past week. Many observers reported seeing nothing…
Why do humpback whales get in the way of hungry killer whales?
A rare behaviour that remains unexplained Bertie Gregory, explorer for National Geographic, recently witnessed an extremely rare episode of intimidation.…
Blue Whales and Fin Whales on the Horizon
What could possibly spark the interest of adults and children alike, drawing a crowd on the shores of Franquelin one…
A Late November with Dolphins and Rorquals Aplenty
Dozens of Atlantic white-sided dolphins, a late humpback, a minke whale here, belugas there... There’s so much marine fauna in…
Humpback Observed Earlier This Summer Washes Up in the Gaspé
On Wednesday, October 25, a humpback whale carcass washed up in Saint-Maxime-du-Mont-Louis in the Gaspé Peninsula. It was a male…
Reproductive Failures and Malnutrition in the Southern Resident Killer Whale
The recovery of the small community of southern resident killer whales – estimated at around 75 individuals – is hanging…
Belugas Under the Snow
As November winds down, the snow gently reminds us that winter temperatures are right around the corner. With most of…
Stranded Sperm Whale on the North Shore
On November 6, flying above the gulf fifteen kilometres from the village of Baie-Johan-Beetz, a helicopter pilot notices a greyish…
An Exceptional Cetacean: Tool Use in Bottlenose Dolphins
In Shark Bay, Western Australia, a subset of the bottlenose dolphin population displays remarkable ingenuity. When foraging, they cover their…
Small or Large, Marine Mammals Are Still Present!
Although sightings are beginning to taper off in the gulf, the estuary is still abuzz with the resonating spouts of…
Killer Whales: Male Offspring at the Expense of Maternal Reproductive Success
According to a study published in Current Biology, females in the small community of southern resident killer whales invest their…
Make way for Perucetus colossus, a sea giant that would have outweighed a blue whale!
Imagine 150 cars piled on top of one another like a mountain. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? But hold on: it…
A Frenzy of Humpback Whales!
Humpback whales were at it again this week, giving us perhaps one last chance to admire their antics in the…
Alloparental Care and Benefits for Young Belugas: Unanswered Questions
How do young belugas benefit from alloparental care? This is a question that Jaclyn Aubin and her colleagues tried to…
A Beautiful End to the Season!
Notable sightings of the week included reports of little make-believe characters, from Nemo to the Little Mermaid to SpongeBob, parading…
Whales in the Flesh!
Friday morning, September 22, 2023. Warning: Not for the faint of heart! I wake up shortly after dawn. The golden…
Killer Whales in Basse-Côte-Nord
Rare visitors to the St. Lawrence were observed this past week in Quebec's Basse-Côte-Nord (Lower North Shore) region: killer whales.…
In Search of Large Rorquals
It's 5:45 a.m., and I'm already awake and excitedly waiting for news from the research team of the Group for…
The Study of Animal Intelligence and Its Human Bias (Part 2)
Now that we’ve discussed human bias in the study of animal intelligence, let’s explore in this second part the different…
Winding Down the Season
Although the cruise season is drawing to a close, marine mammals don’t seem like they’re quite ready to leave! Almost…
The Study of Animal Intelligence and Human Bias (Part 1)
Did you know that the octopus is able to solve puzzles and to dream? That pigs show signs of empathy?…
Spouts and Tail Slapping Displays
In the sometimes calm, sometimes choppy waters of the St. Lawrence, cetaceans have made some noteworthy appearances. The clearly visible,…
Humpback Whales: Between River and Sky
September 14, 2023 will remain a date forever engraved in my memory. It was a strange and surreal day, Which…
Mysteries of the Depths: Discover the Surprises Unearthed from the Seabed during Sediment Sampling in the Estuary
By Eliza-Jane Morin, Resource Management Officer, Parks Canada During the summer months, the Parks Canada conservation team in the Saguenay-St.…
Predator-Prey Monitoring: Incursion into the Food Chain of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park
Once a week during the summer season, we carry out predator-prey monitoring in the lower estuary. The objective of this…
Autumn in the St. Lawrence
New whales continue to arrive in the St. Lawrence and marine diversity is matched only by the palette of colours…
Potential Impacts of Rising Ocean Temperatures on Whales
Undeniably, today’s environment is undergoing rapid, irreversible and radical transformations. Being entirely subject to the laws of natural selection, whales…
Dolphins Make Their Return to the Estuary
They swim in groups in successive leaps, a palette of colours radiating above the water surface. We can distinguish white…
Understanding the Past… One Phalanx at a Time
Ever look at a whale’s pectoral fins and wonder what lies beneath the skin? Enclosed in the rigid and resilient…
Unforgettable Sightings of Feeding Whales
Autumn is right around the corner for our queens of the seas, who are gearing up – quietly but surely!…
How do whales keep warm in frigid waters?
As part of Science Literacy Week taking place from September 18 to 24 under the theme “Energy,” the Whales Online…
Total Euphoria
A 2014 BBC documentary showed a pod of dolphins playing with a pufferfish, prodding and grabbing it with their beaks…
Otherworldly Bodies in the River
Despite the excitement caused by the long-awaited arrival of sperm whales in the gulf, a certain calm has now returned…
Rorquals in the Fjord and Sperm Whales
A new species is visiting the Gulf of St. Lawrence for the first time this year: the sperm whale. In…
Can whales be escorted by sound?
Did you know that a sound wave can travel through water at a speed of 5,400 kilometres per hour? In…
Whales at the heart of the St. Lawrence River
The magic of moments along the St. Lawrence is in abundance as August comes to a close. It's a graceful…
Art dedicated to whales – archival artwork by Maryse Goudreau
In a context where environmental concerns are at the center of discussions, it seems difficult to navigate through the different…
A blue whale in the Saguenay and Tic Tac Toe in Gaspésie!
What could be more impressive than a blue whale, the largest animal alive? Perhaps to see this immense whale make…
Fin whale breach: rare and enigmatic
The Mediterranean Sea is home to a unique population of fin whales that has evolved separately from the North Atlantic…
Cetacean Diversity in Full Swing
Blue whales? Up to three individuals have reportedly been observed in the estuary. Humpbacks? Several in Gaspé Bay, including a…
Echolocation in Land vs. Marine Animals
Echolocation is used by several animals such as bats, dolphins, toothed whales and some nocturnal birds. This technique allows animals…
Waters Vibrating with Life
The waters of the St. Lawrence are populated by a multitude of marine mammals: Tic Tac Toe is back for…
A Week on Gros-Cacouna Mountain
By Cristiane Albuquerque, ecologist and acting team lead at the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park I had the opportunity to spend…
Lucky Eight?
Eight humpback whales were identified over the past week in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. At the other end of…
The Jane Goodall Act
The question of how relevant and ethical (or unethical!) animal establishments such as zoos and aquariums are is highly debatable.…
A Look at the Iris
Compared to their giant bodies, the eyes of whales are quite small. It is often said that the eyes are…
Right Whales in the Gulf
What did the waters off Percé and those near Anticosti Island have in common this past week? Both were visited…
Do whales practise infanticide?
Did you know that in some terrestrial species such as the baboon, infanticide can cause up to 70% of all…
A Blue Horizon
The fog lifts after having shrouded Gaspé Bay for several days, meaning observers can finally admire the colourful panorama... and…
A Day Aboard the Ciktek in Pursuit of the Harbour Seal
Today, June 21, 2023, is National Indigenous Peoples Day. I want to emphasize this, since I will be sailing on…
Stars of the St. Lawrence
They exude an aura of magic that animates evening get-togethers along the shores of the St. Lawrence. Every year, visitors…
Cancer Protection in the Giants of the Animal Kingdom
Ever heard of Peto’s paradox? The latter states that the probability of developing cancer is unrelated to the number of…
Gaspar, Guadeloupe and Aramis Put on a Show!
Although the start of the season has been a quiet one, whales seem to have finally arrived in the St.…
One small population of indomitable freshwater seals still holds out, but for how long?
Ever heard of the mysterious and legendary achikunipi, as this animal is known to the Cree? Or the qasigiaq, the…
Best Practices to Adopt Near Seals
Although they are marine mammals, pinnipeds carry out a number of their most important activities out of water. Indeed, napping,…
Whales Identified in Côte-Nord!
In the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park as well as in the Mingan and Sept-Îles sectors, humpback and fin whale sightings…
Should we be concerned about the low numbers of whales in the St. Lawrence River during the first few weeks of the season?
You’ve probably heard this question more than once since the start of the season! Our team therefore felt it might…
The Little Seal in Ragueneau
It’s late morning on Friday, June 2, when the phone rings. It’s the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN)…
How long can blue whales hold their breath?
The blue whale has a dive time that varies from around 10 to 30 minutes, which is not enough to…
Fascinating Stories
The weekly sightings column is not only a bit of a summary of everything that has been seen in the…
Two Breathtaking Scenes
The slow start to the 2023 season in the Lower Estuary continues, with still very few observations of large whales.…
Super Soldiers of the Animal Kingdom!
A beluga ironically named Hvaldimir – Hval for “whale” in Norwegian – was first seen in 2019 off the coast…
Satellite Tagging: One More Step Toward Helping Entangled Cetaceans in Quebec
On May 23 and 24, several members of the team from the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) and…
Large Rorquals in the Gulf
This week, large rorquals were present all around the gulf. A blue whale made an appearance near Sept-Îles, minke whales…
Interactions Between Killer Whales and Ships in the Strait of Gibraltar: A Challenge for Maritime Cohabitation
Why is the Strait of Gibraltar killer whale subpopulation increasingly interacting with boats? How did this behaviour originate? These are…
Humpbacks in the Gaspé and Concerns in the Estuary
After a quiet start to the season, humpback whales are now making a long-awaited return to Gaspésie, with between six…
A Strange Start to the 2023 Season…
I like it when these field notes are representative of our daily observations on the water. It goes without saying…
How about a few stories with happy endings? Chronicles of successes in marine mammal conservation
From an emotional standpoint, the world of conservation can often be quite difficult to navigate. Through our own activities, the…
Spring is for Minke Whales
Even if the week was quiet in terms of observations, the presence of minke whales did add a little action…
Back on the Water
Tuesday, May 23, 2023. For amateur cetologist René Roy, this is his second time on the water this season. During…
The reasons behind an exceptional year for humpback
“First time ever,” “extraordinary,” “record...” After a while, observers describing the 2021 whale-watching season in the estuary began to run…
Fin Whales Are Back!
This week, marine mammals were not deterred by the snow and wind from parading up and down the St. Lawrence.…
Return of Tic Tac Toe
To begin these field notes, we first need to travel back in time to September 1999. It was one of…
Arrival of Tic Tac Toe
While some communities are eagerly waiting for the ice to break up on the local river or for the tulips…
Whales and Seals, Rain or Shine
The heavy rains and strong winds that pounded “La Belle Province” in recent days have certainly made watching marine mammals…
Symposium beluga 2023
In 1988, the International Forum for the Future of the Beluga was held. Just five years earlier, in 1983, the…
“The Humpbacks are Here!”
“You’ll see, tomorrow morning there will be humpbacks in Les Bergeronnes,” claims Renaud Pintiaux, a long-time observer forWhales Online. Gut…
Exciting Spring Arrivals
Another season is underway, and here I am once again with field notes that you will find posted on this…
Participatory Science: The Key to Conservation
Whether it’s by reporting your sightings or volunteering with a conservation organization, there’s no wrong way to get involved with…
Little Porpoises, Large Spouts
Swimming in proximity to both a blue whale and a fin whale, the first harbour porpoises of the season made…
Earth Day 2023: 5 Things You Can Do to Help Whales
Since every little gesture counts when it comes to safeguarding the environment, the Whales Online team presents five actions that…
Round-up of 2023 North Atlantic Right Whale News
After being hunted for centuries, today’s North Atlantic right whales face many challenges, including entanglements with fishing gear, ship strikes…
Solo or in groups, the cetaceans are back!
The list of marine species present in the St. Lawrence is getting longer and longer: blue whales and fin whales…
A third calf in three years for Tic Tac Toe?
Tic Tac Toe, an easily recognizable female humpback whale with a large “X” on her caudal fin, was seen several…
White Whales Mark the Return of Spring
This past week in the St. Lawrence, strong winds, inclement weather and rough seas did not make easy to observe…
Why are some whales two-tone?
Many whales feature both dark body parts and light body parts. This is the case for a number of species…
Encounters with Giants
The mysterious series of spout sightings that began last week continues, only this time we might actually be able to…
40th Year of Beluga Carcass Recovery Program: Persistent Concerns in 2022
Over the past year, 12 beluga carcasses were discovered adrift or on the shores of the St. Lawrence by the…
Tale of a Migration to Mexico
Since 2019, I ‘ve been making an annual migration to Mexico for a few months each year, more precisely to…
Mystery Whales
This week, eyes are shifting to the Gaspé in the hope of solving a very particular enigma… Large rorquals have…
A Brief Guide to Partial Necropsy
As part of a training course, my colleague and UMM technician Méduline Chailloux and I met on a Saturday morning…
Blue Whale Spout on the Horizon
Off the coast of Sept-Îles, a huge blast rises into the air, then another. Clearly visible from shore, these blows…
Right Whale Situation Proves Precarious Once Again
Between entanglements in fishing gear, ship strikes and climate change, the past few decades have been rough for the North…
Do whales have a navel?
Being mammals, whales have a lot more in common with us than you might think. From breathing to nursing to…
Between Doldrums and Delirium
Last week’s sightings article may have inspired some of you... One marine mammal enthusiast wrote to us that she even…
A “GREMMlin” at IMPAC5
From February 3 to 9, the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress, IMPAC5, was held in Vancouver. The event was…
Katak the Brave Beluga: An Eye-opening Film on the Beauty of the St. Lawrence and the Fragility of Belugas
In the thrilling journey of a young beluga in search of his grandfather, the animated film Katak the Brave Beluga,…
In Search of Wonder
Over the past week, harp seals, harbour seals and belugas have been sighted along the north shore of the St.…
Winter Pupping Season: A Risky Affair
The diminishing ice cover observed in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence in recent years is having an impact…
From Swimming Giants to Flying Gulls
Sunny days, seabirds flying gracefully over the river as they forage for food, reflections in the crystal clear water and…
Synchronized Fin Whales
July 13, 2021. Several large spouts erupt off the coast of Sept-Îles. One, two, three blasts. Four, then seven, then…
Mirages and Blue Whale
A blue whale venturing near the coast, seals resting on blocks of ice, a solitary beluga that shows its tail…
Advancing Marine Mammal Research, One Sample at a Time
When a marine mammal carcass is found stranded or adrift in the waters of the St. Lawrence, the Quebec Marine…
Surviving Winter: A Whole Science!
Despite the arctic temperatures of the past week, the marine animals of the St. Lawrence do not seem to have…
Whale Skeleton Preservation: Interview with Michel Martin, GREMM’s “Skeleton Master”
Anyone who has ever walked through the doors of Tadoussac’s Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) has undoubtedly gawked at the…
Calm Before the Big Cold Front
On the horizon, on the ice and in the waves, every week is different than the one before. Few marine…
A day at the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network
Saturday, September 17: The weather is beautiful and the participants of the Béluga Ultra Trail (web page in French) race…
Belugas and Drones: A Call for Caution
Although drones are useful tools for conducting marine mammal research, it is legitimate to wonder what impact they may have…
Winter Rorquals
It’s a white January morning and the wintry wind is blowing across the river when a local resident sitting cosily…
Goodbye whales, hello seals!
After causing a sensation two weeks ago with a remarkable presence in Percé and a few appearances in the Côte-Nord…
Where are whales’ brains located?
From odontocetes to mysticetes, whale anatomy varies from one species to another, even with regard to their heads! The sperm…
Deep-water denizen stranded in Sept-Îles
Last October 23, a True’s beaked whale beached itself and died in the Bay of Sept-Îles. The causes of this…
Ice and Surprises
During the end-of year holiday season, the waters of the St. Lawrence quietly became cloaked in a sheet of ice…
Preventing Whale Entanglements with Ropeless Fishing Gear
Over the past several years, the novel field of ropeless fishing has been expanding thanks to the research and development…
Will we have a blue Christmas?
A pleasant visit to the St. Lawrence this week makes one want to hum the tune “Blue Christmas.” Not for…
Wintertime Seals, Whales and Belugas
This week, winter lovers were able to take advantage of the short, sunny days to admire seals, belugas, minke whales…
Top Picks for a Rich Whale Library
Many species of whales have left the St. Lawrence for the winter. Observing these cetaceans in the flesh in the…
North Atlantic Right Whales: On a Quest for Food
Since 2015, an uptick in the presence of North Atlantic right whales has been observed in the Gulf of St.…
Big gulps in the bay
The day is calm with a quiet whisper of a wind, while out in the bay, a few dark spots…
Avian Flu: First Documented Case in Cetaceans in Quebec
Last September, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network received a report of an Atlantic white-sided dolphin carcass near Rimouski.…
Not one… not two… but six humpbacks!
This week, a few humpback whales were still present in the St. Lawrence and residents were even treated to an…
White as Snow… Or a Beluga!
As fluffy snowflakes invaded eastern Quebec and a white blanket quietly covered the ground, marine mammals continued on with their…
A Fossil Under the Magnifying Glass
Thirty years ago, the fossil of an Atlantic grey whale (Eschrichtius robustus) was misidentified as a humpback whale. The latter…
Humpback Whale Season Winding Down
As winter approaches, migratory whale species are slowly beginning to leave. Although humpback whales are becoming more scarce, the waters…
Do whales exhibit altruism? (Part 3 of 3) The example of cetaceans in the wild
Caring for sick, injured or dead individuals – otherwise known as epimeletic behaviour – is a common form of expression…
Between Mountains and the Sea: The Sounds of Cetaceans
Whether on a boat, at the docks or on shore, the echos of blowing whales can be heard. From humpback…
What is the status of whaling around the world?
Public opinion seems increasingly concerned about the future of whales, which have become over time a symbol of wildlife conservation.…
Action on the Horizon
Whether watching through their binoculars, through the lens of their camera or with their own two eyes while squinting from…
Do whales exhibit altruism? (Part 2 of 3) The example of dolphins
Like humpbacks, toothed whales (odontocetes) and dolphins in particular stand out for their altruistic behaviour. However, the nature of this…
Making Sense of Whale Taxonomy
By definition, taxonomy is a science aimed at studying the diversity of the living world. In this regard, organisms are…
Teamwork for Whale Protection
Protecting the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park requires teamwork. Research makes it possible to better understand various issues related to the…
Where do whales get their scars?
Some whales bear reminders of their past. Sometimes inconspicuous, sometimes more pronounced, scars of all shapes and sizes mark the…
Winds and Whales
One might think that the roller coaster temperatures of autumn are hardly conducive to marine mammal sightings. However, this is…
Snow Cone: Emblem of its Species’ Desperate Struggle
In December 2021, scientists felt a glimmer of hope when Snow Cone was spotted with a newborn, despite the fact…
Cetaceans by the Dozen
A dozen or so humpback whales have been observed in Gaspé Bay over the past week. A few individuals approach…
Fearful or Bold, Curious or Solitary… By Nature? Personality in Whales
The more time they spend watching and working with marine mammals, the more observers and scientists alike come to assume…
Recovery of a white-sided dolphin carcass in Rimouski
In the early afternoon of Monday, September 5, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network call centre receives a report…
Are grey seals cannibalistic?
Although the grey seal feeds primarily on fish and crustaceans, it also seems to hunt and occaisonally feed on harbour…
Colourful Silhouettes
Whether it’s pods of white-sided dolphins repeatedly leaping out of the water, breaching minke whales or a blue whale blowing…
Eyes on the water
Every summer since 2003, the Parks Canada team has been scrutinizing the waters in and around Baie Sainte-Marguerite to tally…
Is approaching marine mammals with a drone legal?
With the growing popularity of drones, it is increasingly common to see spectacular images of cetaceans. From herds of migrating…
Autumn Winds
Mariners are well aware that in fall, storms often produce strong winds from the east or northeast. While some enthusiasts…
Do whales exhibit altruism? (Part 1 of 3) The Example of Humpback Whales
It is difficult to determine with certainty the altruistic character of a given animal behaviour. Indeed, guessing their motive is…
Five New Discoveries about the North Atlantic Right Whale
For scientists, the endangered North Atlantic right whale is a source of both fascination and concern. This is why a…
How is math used to study whales?
A favourite subject for some but dreaded by others, math can sometimes be applied in unusual ways. As part of…
Humpbacks, seals and belugas
This week, all up and down the St. Lawrence, humpback whales are topping the lists of observations, along with other…
The Belugas of Cacouna
“Hey look! Over there! A beluga!” Posted on our observation platform on the sacred mountain of Gros-Cacouna, Sami and I…
Fog-shrouded Waters
This past week was marked by the presence of fog almost all across the St. Lawrence. Mingan Islands, La Malbaie,…
Book of the Dead: Nearly 600 Beluga Carcasses Examined Over Past 40 Years
Every year, between 15 and 20 beluga carcasses are found and recovered along the shores of the St. Lawrence. Why…
White beaks, speckled grey backs and golden spouts
Out on the water, the mild conditions over the last few days have allowed for the observation of a number…
Dolphin, harbour porpoise or…fish ?
It is a beautiful evening of observation, a magnificent sunset, a refreshing breeze, a most grandiose panorama. The eyes turned…
Dorsal Fins, From Killer Whales to Narwhals
Scanning the vast, nutrient-rich waters of the St. Lawrence, any keen-eyed observer may ask a very simple but essential question…
Colourful St. Lawrence
This week in the St. Lawrence, giants of all colours amazed young and old observers alike. From grey seals to…
Surveying Whale-Watchers to Better Protect Whales
Ever since the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park was created in 1998, a large number of protective measures have been put…
Big Return of a Small Cetacean
This week, there was action in the St. Lawrence! In addition to the usual species that seem to be just…
Invasive Aquatic Species Project
The week of July 11 to 15 marked the second year of sampling for our project in collaboration with Fisheries…
Are there fewer whales in the St. Lawrence this season?
On both shores of the St. Lawrence, many folks are concerned about the paucity of whales observed in the river…
Marine Observation Activities
Since 1994, sampling has been conducted on nearly 3,000 excursionsin the heart of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park by the…
Exceptional Tours in the Estuary
Everyone was surprised this week when not one, but two endangered species ventured into the St. Lawrence Estuary: one North…
A Drive Down the “Whale Trail”
Between Tadoussac and Kegaska, Route 138 hugs the coast of Quebec’s Côte-Nord region for over 850 kilometres. Dotted with magnificent…
Whales with Microplastics in their Bellies
Problems related to plastic garbage in our oceans and waterways have been with us for many years now. What’s more,…
Harbour Seals in St. Lawrence Affected by Avian Flu
Last June, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) received an abnormally high number of reports of dead or…
Swimming against the current
After the pioneering belugas that ventured into Baie des Ha! Ha! last week, this week it is the humpbacks’ turn to…
Entangled Humpback – A Chronicle
On Wednesday, July 13, a humpback whale was spotted off the coast of Les Escoumins accompanied by a calf that…
A Day in the Field with the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network
On the evening of June 20, 2022, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) gets wind that a harbour…
Exploratory Belugas
Belugas made headlines this week when a group of a dozen or so individuals was observed in Baie des Ha! Ha!…
A Day in Good Company
On Sunday, July 3, a minke whale carcass was found on Île Vertein Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region. This is practically the…
Memorable Observations
When it comes to marine mammals, sometimes no two days are alike. For several weeks, a resident of Tadoussac had been…
Living According to the Rhythm of the Whales
There are enormous benefits to working and living in whale country. Now my home base, Tadoussac is a tourist destination for…
“Now the season can start!”
A certain enchantment can sometimes develop between whales and the naturalists who observe them. For naturalist and wildlife photographer Renaud…
Tracking harbour seals in the fjord – a memorable first day in the field! June 6, 2022
The arrival of spring is synonymous with change. The days are getting longer, multiple species of whales are returning to…
Spring 2022: A Busy Season for QMMERN
Seal pups harassed on the beaches, discovery of pinniped carcasses along the shores, vagrant minke whales in Montréal: these are…
A Funny Coincidence
Belugas took full advantage of their first day of calm in the Saguenay Fjord. Many light-coloured backs were present in…
Action Near the Coast
From the small harbour porpoise to the titanic blue whale: the wide range of sightings offered by the St. Lawrence…
Why are baby belugas born brownish-grey before changing color?
Newborn belugas are born brownish before becoming grey-blue and then completely white. This gradual change of color is a common…
Humpbacks Stealing the Show!
Exuberant, splashy, and ubiquitous, humpback whales sometimes tend to turn our attention away from other cetaceans. And not only when…
A spout to kick off the day
Sometimes you have to get up at the crack of dawn if you want to be rewarded with exciting observations.…
Seals That Don’t Need Our Help
Spring is here and the seal pupping season is in full swing. The Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN)…
Encounter with Pilot Whales
Do pilot whales impatiently look forward to spring just to cross paths with amateur cetologist René Roy? One thing is…
Struggling Right Whale in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
For over a week now, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has been attempting to locate a North Atlantic right whale…
Climate Change Compromising Beluga Recovery
Despite the 1979 ban on commercial whaling that decimated the St. Lawrence beluga and the implementation of numerous protection measures,…
White Tails and Brown Calves
Small white backs speckled the St. Lawrence with their presence this week. Thursday, May 12, at the ferry terminal in…
Minke Whales Up and Down the St. Lawrence!
From Montréal to Sept-Îles and Gaspésie, there’s been a lot of talk about minke whales this week. While these small…
Minke whale updates
This page is dedicated to the presence of two minke whales in the waters of Montreal. It is updated several…
Minke Whales in Montreal – Your Questions
Two minke whales have been observed in Montreal, near St. Helen's Island. The first individual has been in the area…
Like a polar bear in Gaspésie…
This week, the most amazing marine mammal sighting is undoubtedly the presence of a polar bear in the Gaspé Peninsula.…
What do killer whales eat?
We all have in mind that killer whales are super-predators that can attack the largest animals on the planet: blue…
First Beluga Carcass Discovered in Les Escoumins
This is the first beluga whale carcass recovered for the 2022 season under the carcass recovery program initiated in 1983.…
Return of the Minke Whales
They may be the smallest representatives of the rorqual family, but minke whales have been getting a lot of attention…
What does GREMM do in winter? (2/2)
[Continuation of article “What does GREMM do in winter? (2/2)”] Every winter, when the whales leave the Estuary, many of…
Pascolio and Easter Weekend
On Saturday, while scanning the Estuary through her binoculars, one local resident saw a funny-looking white spot from the rental…
Mortality 2021: An Ominous Year for Belugas
2021 will be no exception. Once again, researchers and specialists are concerned by the mortalities being observed in the St.…
Spring Arrivals
Every year, when the month of April kicks off in the Haute-Côte-Nord region, an indescribable emotion begins to flow through…
First Humpback in the Estuary
Armed with his camera, wildlife photographer Renaud Pintiaux sets up on the shore of Cap de Bon-Désir this past Monday.…
What does GREMM do in winter? (1/2 )
When fall arrives and the whales leave the St. Lawrence Estuary for the winter, GREMM takes its boats out of…
Are blue whales really blue?
That might sound like a funny question! After all, isn’t the blue colour of Balaenoptera musculus, in addition to its…
“Thar she blows!”
The excitement is palpable this week on the shores of the St. Lawrence! For the past few days, the same…
Return of the Gannets
There’s been a lot of action in the Gaspé this week! In addition to spotting harbour seals every day in…
15 Calves Spark Hope for Right Whales
From November to April, North Atlantic right whales give birth to their calves in the warm waters off Florida and…
All the news on North Atlantic right whales in 2022
The North Atlantic right whale is a particularly vulnerable cetacean species, currently numbering fewer than 350 individuals. The survival of…
Right Whale Protection Measures Renewed for 2022
On Thursday, March 10, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced the protection measures that will be put in place this year…
Vacation Memories… Humpback Style!
We know where H858, also known as Queen, and H879 spent their holidays! No, these two humpbacks did not send…
Humpback Whale ‘Rumba’ in Mexico
For the past few years, I’ve been making the occasional winter trip to Mexico, just for the sake of warming…
Signs of Spring
After a long winter, residents are beginning to see patches of open water in the St. Lawrence’s coat of ice…
Volunteers Needed for Marine Mammal Emergencies
Volunteers are our eyes and our hands in the field. In addition to helping the scientific community gain vital knowledge…
Are beluga biopsies harmful?
Since 1994, GREMM’s research team has been conducting a long-term biopsy program (article in French) on the beluga population of…
Ice Dwellers
Monday evening, from the window of her home in Sept-Îles, a local resident peers outside to admire the blazing sky…
Crystal Clear Waters
Cetaceans in sight for the first time weeks! On February 25, it was from the docks in Les Escoumins that…
How much food does a blue whale eat?
Tipping the scales at up to 135 tonnes, the blue whale is the largest animal on our planet. Seeing the…
An Oral Plug to Prevent Whales from Choking on Seawater
The rorqual family includes the largest animals on the planet. In order to satisfy their gargantuan energy needs by gulping…
Skies and Oceans
Between two snowstorms, all eyes turn to the waters of the St. Lawrence, scanning the horizon for marine mammals. It…
CIMM Presents Virtual “Bones with Stories to Tell” Exhibition
The Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) is coming to you! Our collection of cetacean skeletons – the only one of…
A little head poking above the water
When the north winds quiet down, the surface of the St. Lawrence ends up looking like a mirror, frozen solid…
A Quick Glance at the World of Whales
So many pinnipeds in this chilly week of February! That’s what several observers from the Côte-Nord region have been telling…
Masturbation and Functional Clitoris: Dolphins’ Sexual Life Revealed
It is widely known that some animal species, including humans and bonobos, engage in sexual activity outside of their breeding…
Destination Azores with Expedition Glacialis (Part 2 of 2: The Science)
By Mathieu Marzelière with the collaboration of Laurence Tremblay [Continuation of article “Destination Azores with Expedition Glacialis (Part 1 of…
Winter Doldrums
No backs, no spouts, not even the shadow of a tail. Zero, zip, zilch. “No whales this week,” a number…
Destination Azores with Expedition Glacialis (Part 1 of 2: Marine Fauna)
By Mathieu Marzelière with the collaboration of Laurence Tremblay Laurence and I work for GREMM as research assistants. For several…
How do whales see us?
Powerful yet elegant, cetaceans are majestic beings for humans to observe. But how do they see us? In colour or…
Braving the Cold
Do you see what I see? Between the frigid winds, snow squalls and ice floes forming on the St. Lawrence,…
Giants Under the Ice
On the St. Lawrence, it’s ice and more ice as far as the eye can see! In the Gaspé, where…
Twelve Years of Encounters with Humpback Whale H626 (a.k.a. BBR/Gaspar)
For many years now, I have regularly gone out on the water every summer as well as a good part…
Are whales righties or lefties?
Approximately 90% of humans are right-handed, preferring to use their right hand for writing and carrying out daily tasks, while…
On the Ice Floes
A polar cold snap swept across Quebec this week, bringing with it blustery winds, thick fog and fresh snow, adding…
Was the narwhal seen in the St. Lawrence in 2021?
Is the narwhal still in the region? Is it still associating with belugas? How is it doing? Many of you…
Some Belugas More Affected than Others by Underwater Noise
Underwater noise is a major issue in the protection St. Lawrence belugas, which rely on sound to find their way,…
To Michael Moore, “We Are All Whalers”
North Atlantic right whales are one of the most vulnerable cetacean species on the planet. With less than 350 individuals…
Lament of the seals
“Cré-moé, cré-moé pas, quelque part en Alaska, y a un phoque qui s'ennuie en maudit” (Believe it or not, somewhere…
Multiple Births and Low Mortality Spell Good Year for North Atlantic Right Whales
One of the most critically endangered cetacean species in the world, the North Atlantic right whale has been under close…
Marine Mammal Emergencies on the Ready this Holiday Season
While the end-of-year holidays are a good time to relax and celebrate with family, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response…
Lingering Humpbacks and More in Frigid St. Lawrence
As the year draws to a close, fireplaces are crackling, winds are whipping and Quebec’s landscapes are gradually being covered…
Why do whales migrate?
Every year, the whales of the St. Lawrence travel thousands of kilometres between Quebec and their wintering grounds. A humpback…
Blows after the storm?
Between a winter storm, pounding winds and turbulent waters, this week’s weather conditions made it difficult to observe marine mammals.…
2021 Season Raises Questions
By René Roy For several years now, I’ve been plying the waters of the St. Lawrence in order to observe…
2021: Another Busy Year for Marine Mammal Emergencies
By Mélissa Tremblay, Head of the Marine Mammal Emergencies call centre Beginning in November, Marine Mammal Emergencies (UMM) generally receives…
One Final Outing…
By Renaud Pintiaux, naturalist and wildlife photographer The whale-watching season in the waters between Tadoussac and Les Escoumins ended…
Geyser-like Spouts at the Water Surface
Clearly, Saturday was an eventful day in Gaspé Bay. On Saturday morning, two humpback whales were breaching repeatedly off the…
New Whale Species Discovered
Field observations are not the only way to discover new animal species. Through lab analyses of preserved skeletons and samples,…
Colorful Bubbling at Sea
Friday morning, from the top of the dunes in Tadoussac, an avid birder spots some splashing in the middle of…
Why put a price on a whale?
How much is a whale worth? According to a 2019 study conducted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a large…
Do albino whales exist?
They stand out from other members of their species by their unusual whiteness. They are known as albinos. Like land…
Singing seals
“It’s been a quiet week for whales,” admits a resident of Percé, “but grey seals have been abundant. From our…
“Window on Belugas” project receives $600,000 in funding from the Quebec government
On Monday, November 15, 2021 at 2:30 p.m., a press conference was held in Cacouna to announce the Government of Quebec’s…
Porpoises Galore!
In summer, harbour porpoises are often seen moving in large groups of up to several dozen individuals. This time of…
With the Belugas… Collecting Biopsies
By Laura Zeppetelli This fall, I had the opportunity to leave my office in downtown Montréal to board the Bleuvet…
Why are fin whales so fast?
Nicknamed the “greyhound of the sea,” the fin whale is the fastest of any of the large rorquals that frequent…
North Atlantic Right Whales: Climate Refugees
The North Atlantic right whale population is down to approximately 350 individuals and is critically endangered. The recovery of this…
Calm Waters
As the mercury drops, the weather grows harsher and boats are being docked for the winter, whales are setting out…
Why is it important not to touch a marine mammal carcass?
By Marie-Maude Rondeau Ever heard of Valleau, the sperm whale whose carcass washed ashore in L’Anse-à-Valleau in 2003? Today, this…
Climate Change Triggers Shifts in Fin Whale Diets
As predators, fin whales are considered generalists, capable of hunting and feeding on a variety of prey ranging from zooplankton…
Whales on the Move!
After being present in large numbers in the Estuary this summer, the whales now seem to be heading east and…
Travelling back in time with a narwhal tusk
The tusk of the narwhal – a long spiral-shaped tooth that can measure nearly 3 metres long – makes a…
In the Wake of Sea Monsters
As Halloween approaches, horror stories abound! Amongst sources of inspiration for spooky legends, the ocean has always been a great…
Stealthy sperm whale?
Through his spotting scope, a birder posted at the Tadoussac dunes suspects he saw an unusual visitor on Sunday. The…
Mom, can you hear me?: The Challenge of Beluga Calves in the St. Lawrence
Biologist Valeria Vergara has always assumed that newborn belugas produce very soft vocalizations, making them particularly vulnerable to underwater noise.…
Chorus of Seals on the Rocks
On this Thanksgiving Monday afternoon, a group of kayakers is quietly paddling toward the dock at L'Anse-de-Roche when they hear…
When do the whales of the St. Lawrence migrate?
“Are the whales expected to arrive anytime soon? Are there any whales still in the area? How long will they…
Humpback Serenades Begin in September in Canada
As the autumn foliage grows brighter and the days grow colder, the humpback whales in Canadian waters are slowly beginning…
Two Beaked Whales Stranded Alive in Chaleur Bay
On Thursday, September 30, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) receives a report of two whales stranded alive…
The Aquatic Ballet of Dolphins
Thousands of successive leaps over the surface of a sparkling sea. White-sided dolphins were present by the hundreds off Port-Cartier…
Initiatives for Responsible Whale-Watching
This year, the Eco-Whale Alliance is celebrating its 10th anniversary! Established by sea excursion companies, GREMM, Sépaq and Parks Canada,…
Will whales be packing their bags soon?
In this final week of September, marine mammal sightings are slowly petering out with the end of the tourist season.…
What is ghost gear?
If you follow whale-related issues at all, you’ve probably already heard of ghost gear. Some of our readers might be…
Why is Baie Sainte-Marguerite closed to watercraft in summer?
[Updated on September 28th] Once again this year, from June 21 to September 21, the Baie Sainte-Marguerite sector remained off-limits…
Magical Moments
This week has been tinged with a majestic full moon and temperatures reminiscent of balmy summer evenings. With the onset…
With the Belugas… An overview of our 2021 projects
By Alexandre Bernier-Graveline How do you imagine the day-to-day life of a member of GREMM’s research team? Hair blowing in…
Winds of Change Sweeping Across the St. Lawrence
Across Quebec, colder weather is gradually setting in. Northerly winds are beginning to blow, announcing the arrival of fall and…
With the mobile team… and a beluga carcass
By Marie-Maude Rondeau This summer, I’m working as a responder for the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN). I’m…
Sperm Whales!
On September 5, 2021, i.e. the Sunday before Labour Day, the excitement was palpable in Tadoussac. With over 500 visitors…
WITH THE BELUGAS… OUR FIRST FIELD SEASON ON GRANDE-ÎLE
By Jaclyn Aubin This summer, I was lucky enough to pass two weeks on the Grande-Île de Kamouraska, accompanied by…
Cetacean, whale, rorqual… one and the same?
The vocabulary used to talk about our whales can sometimes be confusing. Should we say “marine mammal,” “cetacean,” “whale,” or…
A Question of Identity
A narwhal that thinks it’s a beluga, unidentifiable humpbacks and minke whales in search of recognition. This week, the whales…
Decoding Killer Whale Friendships with Drones
Much like humans, killer whales can’t choose their family, but they can at least decide which of their little cousins they want…
Life in Blue!
This week, we were able to admire the milky blue of a mist-laden sky, the dark bluish-black waters of the…
With the Large – and Awe Inspiring! – Rorquals
By Mathieu Roy As a research assistant, I have the chance to spend part of my days aboard whale-watching cruises…
Eight Things You Might Not Know About Beaked Whales
Are you familiar with beaked whales? If the answer is “no”, you are probably not alone. Even researchers know relatively…
Siam, Tic Tac Toe, Cédille and co.
This week in the St. Lawrence was rich in sightings both magical and emotional: the return of Siam to the…
With visitors (and belugas!)… at the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre
Whether on water or on land, the research activities carried out by the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM)…
Southern Resident Killer Whales: J-Pod Missing for 108 Days
Since 2013, the southern resident killer whale population has been exhibiting unusual behaviours that are worrying scientists. Strangely enough, this…
Whales Aplenty!
“It’s awesome out there! There are humpbacks, fins, minkes... It’s non-stop!” exclaims photographer Renaud Pintiaux. At high tide in the…
Wounded seal: what to do?
As you pace the shores of the St. Lawrence, you come face to face with a seal. So far, nothing…
Writing a Popular Science Article in 10 Easy Steps
In my after-work hours, I write poetry. Drafting texts on whales is quite new to me. When I joined the…
Whales in words and pictures at the CIMM (more!)
You don’t always need to see whales live to fall under their charm. Thanks to the selection of books (all…
North Atlantic Right Whales: Shrinking Giants!
We’ve known that North Atlantic right whales are less and less abundant, with a population currently estimated to number fewer…
The Magic of Dawn and Dusk
It was a bountiful week on the St. Lawrence this week, with spectacular marine mammal viewing to locals and visitors…
Conceiving the Inconceivable (2/2): Templates for Humpback Whale Songs
As early as the 1980s, whale song research pioneer Roger Payne stated that “It is inconceivable that such rapid and…
With large rorquals… in the rain!
My name is Stéphanie, and I’m one of GREMM’s (Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals) research assistants for…
Here one day, gone the next!
Season after season, tide after tide, the St. Lawrence River is like a beating heart. Marine currents, prey availability, and…
A Beautiful Story of Collaboration, from the Caribbean to the St. Lawrence
Many of the humpback whales observed in summer in the St. Lawrence spend part of the winter in their breeding…
Regional Assessment of St. Lawrence for Better Informed Choices in the Future
In the context of environmental assessments of development projects in the St. Lawrence, the issue of cumulative effects is often…
Conceiving the Inconceivable (1/2): Metamorphosis of Humpback Whale Songs
Cultural transmission is a widely-accepted hypothesis within the scientific community to explain the movement and transformation of humpback whale songs through space…
Keeping one’s distance to keep them safe
Whether you’re on the shores of the St. Lawrence or sailing in its waters, there’s always a chance for a…
GNL Québec’s Énergie Saguenay Project Rejected on Climate Grounds
On July 21, Environment Minister Benoit Charette announced that his government was rejecting GNL Québec's Énergie Saguenay project, a highly…
Ode to the next generation, the deformed and seafaring nomads
The sun is setting over the beach in Les Bergeronnes and the sky is a palette of pinkish hues. With…
What do we mean by “fidelity” when we talk about whales?
It is sometimes said that Tic Tac Toe, Capitaine Crochet or Ti-Croche are “faithful” whales, but what does this really…
First-ever Detailed Portrait of Whale Incidents in Eastern Canada
For the first time ever, data on whale incidents in eastern Canada has been compiled in a single report. Produced…
Documentary “The Loneliest Whale”: The Importance of Epic Stories to Raise Public Awareness
In the documentary The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52, a group of scientists sets out to find a whale…
Beached Fin Whale in Forillon National Park
On June 19, an employee of Forillon National Park discovers a fin whale carcass at the bottom of a cliff…
How does a whale carcass differ from an animal at rest?
Upon seeing a whale floating oddly on the water surface, do you decide to immediately jump overboard and save it…
“It’s Alive Out There!”
Porpoises, seals, sharks, small fish and seabirds... even when big blasts are conspicuous by their absence, the St. Lawrence remains…
Where do Minke Whales Go in Winter?
In the fall, nearly all baleen whales in the St. Lawrence head for warmer waters in the South, where they…
Travelling Back in Time with Embryos!
What if we could observe the different stages of evolution that a species has undergone by studying a single individual?…
Frozen Moments in the Mist
“It’s tough to find a good weather window this week!” rants René Roy, collaborator for the Mingan Island Cetacean Study…
Belugas, Belugas Everywhere: Overview of Out-of-Range Belugas this Spring
From Matane and Bonaventure, Quebec to Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, belugas seem to be everywhere this…
Allocare in Belugas: Still a Mysterious Behaviour
Perched atop a tower in the middle of Baie Sainte-Marguerite, Jaclyn Aubin peered down on belugas for two summers (2017…
Creatures of Habit
Wednesday morning, just as the team from the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) begins its workday, time stands still for…
Migration in Full Swing
Migration is truly underway in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and is in full swing at the tip of the…
What are the main causes of mortality in seals?
At the call centre for the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network, 80% of reported cases involve seals, whether they…
Familiar Markings and Tail Slaps in the Water
As I’m driving down Highway 132, my eye is suddenly drawn out to sea. From the dark, rolling water spews…
Role Play in Porpoises
Rarely studied in Quebec, porpoises were recently the focus of a study on feeding behaviours. Using drones, researchers at the…
Field Season Debut and the Return of Two Stars: Tic Tac Toe and Ti-Croche!
Back on the water for the 2021 season. It should be a great summer offshore, between Tadoussac and Les Escoumins.…
Dinner is served!
“The capelin are rolling like crazy here in the Gaspé,” says one observer. “At least ten humpbacks have been tallied…
Busy Start to the Season at Marine Mammal Emergencies
As is the case every year, the arrival of warm, sunny days is synonymous with an uptick in the number…
Do Whales Have Hair?
All mammals have hair. At first glance, this characteristic seems completely incompatible with the image we have of whales, animals…
On the lookout for big blasts
Friday, May 28: It’s barely the crack of dawn on the dunes of Tadoussac when Laetitia from the Tadoussac Bird…
Leatherback Turtle Carcass in Gaspé
In late April, a local resident discovers a very decomposed carcass on Haldimand Beach in Gaspé. All that remains are…
Season Kicks Off at Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
Tadoussac’s Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) will open its doors on June 7. After months in the dark, the fifteen…
Baby Seals and Solitary Belugas
While some observers, with their eyes glued to the water, are thrilled to see the white backs of belugas and…
Protecting Young Harbour Seals on the Beaches
In May and June, many residents will have the opportunity to observe young seals on the beaches, as it is…
Ocean Week: From Education to Action
From June 1 to 8, 2021, the first Quebec edition of Ocean Week will take place. Orchestrated by the environmental…
One year later, what can we learn from the humpback whale’s journey from Québec City to Montréal?
It left millions astonished, concerned, dazzled and sensitized, even as the province was under lockdown. The juvenile (2 to 4 years…
Minke whales putting on a show!
While large whales are still mostly absent in the St. Lawrence, minke whales are taking the opportunity to steel the…
New Tools Available to Maritime Industry for Marine Mammal Protection
The Marine Mammal Observation Network (MMON), the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and the St. Lawrence Global Observatory (SLGO)…
400-Metre Regulatory Distance for Blue Whales Proving Effective
In the presence of watercraft, blue whales reduce both the duration and depth of their dives. A recent simulation-based study…
Singer Pomme Releases Song for Belugas
To underscore her concern for wildlife conservation and especially for belugas, singer Pomme chose to write a tune about these…
Right Whale Disentanglement in New Brunswick
On Tuesday, May 11, a major release operation was attempted to come to the aid of Snow Cone, a North…
Belugas’ Age Written in Their Skin
Determining the age of a wild beluga is quite a challenge. So when American researchers announce that they are developing…
How do whales show their emotions?
Whales produce viscous tears (article in French) that serve to protect their eyes from debris. Are these tears also used…
Amazing Pilot Whales
It is perhaps the least known marine mammal species in the St. Lawrence. And for good reason: sightings are occasional…
Minke Whale Calf
Side by side, two minke whales swim off Pointe Noire near the town of Baie-Sainte-Catherine. One of them is clearly…
Recognizing the culture of whales in order to better protect them
If we truly want to protect whales – and other species as well for that matter – biologists must understand…
Porpoises, Already!
Porpoises are usually expected in these parts beginning in late June. But this year, at least two harbour porpoises have…
Resting, Pupping and Moulting: The Importance of Getting Out of the Water for Seals
Even if they are marine mammals, seals have to return to land for some of their activities. Amphibious in nature,…
“Secrets of the Whales”: Diving Deeper after Watching the Series
They love. They mourn. They play. They share. Whales live in complex societies, each with its own culture. This is…
Under the Bellies of Cetaceans, Under the Fur of Seals
On April 15, a seasonal resident of Pointe-des-Monts takes advantage of the mild weather in April to open his chalet…
Do whales fart?
Judging by the search engines, the question has created quite a buzz: are whales capable of emitting flatulence, gas... in…
Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Humpbacks… All at Once!
The island of Newfoundland forms an obstacle between the Atlantic and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. If you’re a whale…
First Minke Whale in the St. Lawrence and Le Souffleur in the Caribbean
Every spring in late March or early April, the smallest of the rorquals is usually the first of the seasonal…
United Nations Kicks off Decade of the Oceans
When the United Nations launches a theme, it’s not merely symbolic. From 2021 to 2030, the theme will be the…
First Beluga Carcass of 2021 Found in Tadoussac
On March 27, a beluga carcass was discovered in Tadoussac by an individual who was out for a stroll. The…
What is it that I see?
One of the challenges of whale watching is how long it takes for but a fraction of a body to…
Seals Invade the Shorelines
Now that the ice has receded from the St. Lawrence, seals must find new platforms out of the water to…
GNL Québec: BAPE Commissioners Concerned for Beluga
Quebec's environmental assessment agency, the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE), which has been tasked with evaluating the Énergie Saguenay…
Humpbacks and Belugas in the Gaspé
On the other end of the line, his voice cracks with excitement. Jean Roy is the owner of Gaspé-based cruise…
Technological Innovation: Filming the Secrets of Sleeping Humpbacks
When researchers placed a camera on the back of a humpback whale, they probably weren’t expecting an hour-long video during…
The Thrill of the Season’s First Spouts
In eastern Quebec, the weather is getting milder, migrating birds are beginning to arrive, and icebreakers are freeing the waters…
Exciting Observation that Sparks Bad Memories
On February 19, a senior officer of a cargo ship passing through the St. Lawrence Estuary photographed blue whales off…
Seals Delighted by Late Pack Ice
After a fairly mild winter, the St. Lawrence, parts of which have been ice-covered only for a few weeks even…
Does the limited amount of ice on the St. Lawrence affect the seal species that spend the winter there?
This year, the decline in ice cover on the St. Lawrence, a trend that began a few decades ago, is…
Educational Podcasts on Marine Mammals
Itching to set sail in search of marine mammals? Virtual experiences are available thanks to the following list of podcasts…
What’s happening with North Atlantic right whales in 2021?
With a total population estimated to number fewer than 350 individuals, the North Atlantic right whale is one of the…
Two New Right Whale Mortalities
In the span of just a few weeks, two North Atlantic right whale carcasses were discovered off the coast of…
Belugas Weathering the Storm
Off Les Bergeronnes, a herd of forty to fifty belugas frolic. GREMM Scientific Director and beluga expert Robert Michaud interrupts…
Harbour Porpoise Succombs to Dolphin Attacks
For the harbour porpoise, human activities are not the only threats it faces. The smallest cetacean in the St. Lawrence…
With the Belugas… Seen and Measured from the Sky!
By Alexandre Bernier-Graveline and Mathieu Marzelière For GREMM’s research team, winter is usually synonymous with compiling, processing and analyzing images…
Global Round-up of Whale News
Whale and seal sightings are scarce these days. Over the course of the past week, we’ve received reports of a…
North Atlantic Right Whale Protection Measures Maintained
The Government of Canada has just announced what measures will be taken this year to protect North Atlantic right whales…
Whale Day: A Few Actions to Lower the Risks to Marine Mammals
Around the globe, many people are concerned by the plight of cetaceans. February 19 is the international day dedicated to…
A Humpback and a Blue Whale on the North Shore
Two large rorquals sparked a good deal of excitement this week: a humpback whale in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park…
A Woman Committed to Science: Mélissa Tremblay
From tourism to geography, Mélissa Tremblay’s career path ultimately led her to the Group for Research and Education on Marine…
Valentine’s Day, Cetacean Style
Signs of affection, saying “I love you” and showing it with sweet gestures. Such is the essence of Valentine’s Day.…
One in Two Fin Whales Already Entangled
The number of fin whales frequenting the Gulf of St. Lawrence that bear entanglement marks and scars is much higher…
Belug-ice
Between the snow squalls, a small group of belugas weaves its way through the ice floes off Les Bergeronnes on…
Young Grey Seal Found in Magdalen Island Interior
When a young grey seal is found nearly a kilometre inland in the Magdalen Islands, what’s the best course of…
Harp Seal Season
“I’ve never seen so many seals on this side of the peninsula,” exclaims one observer posted in the Gaspé town…
St. Lawrence Temperatures on the Rise in 2020
The environment of cetaceans in the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf is changing. Peter Galbraith, physical oceanographer at Fisheries and…
With the whales of Hawaii… virtually!
Looking for a getaway? Here’s a chance to do just that. The 15th edition of Whale Tales will be held…
From Tadoussac to the Bahamas: The Journey of Ti-Croche the Fin Whale
The fin whale Bp955, a.k.a. “Ti-Croche”, has just revealed precious secrets on the migratory movements of its species. On October…
Are the social relationships of belugas similar to our own?
Belugas live in remarkably complex societies with very diverse relationships, so much so that they might be considered closer to…
Aramis the Humpback in the Dominican Republic!
In winter, the majority of humpback whales that frequent the St. Lawrence are believed to be hundreds of kilometres away,…
Following Comprehensive Analysis, Cause of Death of Montréal Humpback Remains Undetermined
Despite having analyzed cross-referenced data on the body condition, behaviour and the carcass of a female humpback that visited Montréal,…
New Population of Blue Whales Discovered Thanks to Unique Song
New observations of blue whales have been made in the waters of the Arabian Sea and in the northwestern corner…
Novel Measure to Protect Southern Resident Killer Whales
Frequenting British Columbia waters, the southern resident killer whale population is estimated to number approximately 72 individuals. On January 14, the…
Michel Moisan, GREMM’s Irreplaceable Jack-of-All-Trades
GREMM Lead Technician Michel Moisan has a strong interest in electronics combined with a keen analytical talent to quickly identify…
Where’s the ice?
As one might expect during the winter, whale sightings are becoming increasingly scarce. A few belugas and scattered large spouts…
North Atlantic Right Whale Births Give Cause for Hope
The breeding season for North Atlantic right whales is in full swing. As of January 22, 2021, 17 healthy calves…
How does a collision affect a cetacean’s social life?
When discussing the impacts of an accident between a ship and a marine mammal, we generally focus on the physical…
Cetaceans: Champion Divers
One of the challenges of observing whales is the long dives that the animals take. The lives of whales take…
Whale Fossils Reveal Their Secrets
In 2020, a fossil dating from the Oligocene was studied in South Carolina by a US research team. The fossil…
Patience Pays Off
The 2019-2020 holiday season had been particularly busy with sightings, to the point that we published a map of the…
Five Promising Initiatives to Prevent Collisions with Whales
Imagine that your dining room, your bedroom and your child’s day care were constantly being driven through by high-speed vehicles.…
When it comes to whales, how can we remain optimistic about the future?
In the realm of conservation and research, long-term efforts to further our knowledge about cetaceans and protect them continue. This…
Why go to the Caribbean when you have the St. Lawrence?
Observers are simply astonished to report the continued presence of minke whales, humpbacks and fin whales once again this week.…
Rare Striped Dolphin Discovered in Maliotenam
It is quite unusual for a striped dolphin to be found anywhere in the St. Lawrence, to say the least.…
Cetacean Stranded Alive: Call First
Whether it is a whale, a porpoise or a dolphin that you find stranded on the beach or swimming in…
Bearded Seal and Large Spouts
Its bushy whiskers glisten in the afternoon sunlight. Its little head approaches a rock. For a minute or so, the…
Generosity For Your Loved Ones… and For Whales, Too!
The 2020 holiday season will come with its share of challenges, just like the periods of adaptation that we all…
The Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network Thanks Its 187 Volunteers
What would the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) be without its 187 volunteers? Thanks to the 160 hours…
More Action in the Gaspé
For residents of the Gaspé, whales are still entertaining observers, while elsewhere sightings are becoming increasingly rare. On November 28…
Voluntarily Lowering One’s Heart Rate to Dive Safely
Because they live in water and must constantly dive to forage or to move, cetaceans have developed a great number…
Is inbreeding a problem for endangered whales?
There are believed to be around 360 North Atlantic right whales left in the world, and probably fewer than a…
Foraging Minke Whales
When passing close to shore, minke whales can swim lazily or slice through the water like rockets. These days, observers…
Dolphin Runs Aground in Magdalen Islands But Returns to Sea
A dolphin found itself in an awkward position on November 21 near Gros-Cap, in the Magdalen Islands. Out for a…
Feasting and Breaching!
Minke and humpback whales are soaring in the air these days, while other members of their species bustle about at…
Could one be eaten by a whale?
In the animated film Pinocchio, the famous puppet is swallowed by a whale, then lives in its belly for a…
Do whales produce saliva?
As we know, whales are big eaters and can detect their prey from afar, some species thanks to their sense…
Kayakers in the mouth of a humpback: lessons learned
The video of two kayakers getting caught in the mouth of a humpback has been viewed around the world. Off…
Whale concert in Gaspé Bay
Late in the day on November 9, a symphony of spouts resonates off the coast of Cap-aux-Os in the Gaspé…
Just 356 North Atlantic right whales left!
Until recently, researchers still spoke of a population of some 400 North Atlantic right whales. But new estimates released last…
The ice is back… And so are the winter seals!
Whether on shore, on the rocks or on ice, seals can appear throughout the Gulf of St. Lawrence or the…
White Spouts in the Chilly Air
If you are a seasoned observer (read: hundreds of hours of observation at a minimum) and weather conditions allow, certain…
With the Belugas… Season Ends with First Snow
Field notes written in collaboration with Laurence Tremblay A field season full of surprises is coming to an end for…
Holding on to Beauty
A white beluga swims with a darker-skinned beluga at its side. Most likely a mother and her calf. The two…
Beluga Carcass in Cacouna
A beluga carcass washed up in Cacouna on October 18, 2020. This young male is the fifteenth beluga to be…
What is the impact of offshore drilling on whales?
While three oil drilling projects off the coast of Newfoundland are being fast-tracked by the Canadian government, one faithful reader…
To go, or not to go?
From Cap de Bon-Désir in Les Bergeronnes, Renaud Pintiaux counts two humpbacks and eight fin whales through his binoculars on…
Public Consultation on Marine Noise: Add Your Two Cents!
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is organizing a public consultation on the impact of noise in Canada’s oceans, and you are…
Right Whales in the Estuary: Exceptional Response for an Exceptional Presence
Among its many missions, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) manages cases of marine mammals known as “vagrants”,…
Cruises Finished… Sightings Continue!
In the past few days, the whale-watching cruise season has ended, both on the North Shore and in the Gaspé Peninsula.…
Can bioluminescence cause the St. Lawrence to glow?
It’s 9 in the evening, and a group of ten or so kayakers venture out onto the St. Lawrence with…
They’re still here!
As Quebec slowly gets deeper into autumn, foliage reaches its peak and the wind gusts and rain grow more intense,…
Black: Colour of Hope
This past week in the St. Lawrence Estuary, it was a funny-looking rounded black back with a V-shaped breath that…
Fin-Blue Hybrids: A New Challenge for Blue Whale Conservation?
The existence of hybrids resulting from the cross between the two largest animals in the world – the fin whale…
“The Best Season”
Early fall is the best time of year for whales!” says Renaud Pintiaux, who has been watching cetaceans nearly every…
Swimming in a River of Pollutants: Belugas Believed to be Four Times More Contaminated Than Minke Whales
Just how contaminated are the belugas of the St. Lawrence? This very question became the research topic of Antoine Simond…
Fall Dolphins
“What? Dolphins? Here?” wonders one reader. For many people, when the talk turns to dolphins, the first thing that comes…
Why is the blue whale so big?
It is bigger than the largest dinosaur. And it weighs roughly 25 times more than the largest living land animal,…
Harbour porpoise or beluga?
Although the beluga is sometimes referred to as a “white porpoise” and has several similarities to the harbour porpoise, the terms “beluga”…
Herds of Whales
One after the other, cavernous blows burst into the air, leaving six white, cylindrical columns that slowly fade into oblivion.…
With visitors… at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic
Whether on water or on land, the research activities carried out by the Group for Research and Education on Marine…
Globetrotters and Giant Sleepers
In summertime, are you the type of person who returns year after year to the same campsite or same chalet,…
With the belugas… photographed from shore
Since 8 o’clock in the morning, GREMM (Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals) research assistant Mathieu Marzelière has…
Moratorium Requested in Saguenay to Protect Belugas
More than half of all St. Lawrence belugas and two-thirds of females frequent the Saguenay. This finding was made by…
What do St. Lawrence belugas eat?
It may seem surprising, but up until a few months ago, the diet of the St. Lawrence beluga was not…
Right Whales, Ocean Sunfish and Beluwaves
Raging winds over the St. Lawrence have been stirring up waves there since August 25. Landbound observers scan the sea,…
Breaching Fin Whale and Moments of Grace
There are pictures you only take once in your life. This one comes to us from off the coasts of…
Seals in Town
In 2020, four different species of seals were observed in the Montréal metropolitan region, hundreds of kilometres from their normal…
Stray Whales: Lost or Just Exploring?
Every so often, a solitary whale makes headlines. It might be a beluga seen off the coast San Diego, California,…
Troubled Humpback in the Marine Park
Updated to August 25, 2020 Despite active search parties by fishery officers and collaborators, the entangled humpback whale was not…
Sanctuary for Retired Belugas: Another Step Toward a Natural Habitat
The first two residents of a whale sanctuary have now been swimming in Klettsvik Bay since August 8, 2020. Belugas…
The Fragile Immensity of the Blue Whale
The largest animal on Earth – even bigger than the largest dinosaur – the blue whale impresses with its sheer…
Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network Sets Up Mobile Team
In order to be able to respond more quickly and efficiently to emergencies involving marine mammals along the shores of…
A Little Peace and Quiet for Belugas
Once again this summer, Baie Sainte-Marguerite will be closed to navigation from June 21 to September 21. Since 2018, navigation…
Boaters Urged to Contribute to Research
Like thousands of other pleasure boaters, do you enjoy taking advantage of warm summer days to operate your craft in…
Narwhal Still Present in the St. Lawrence
On August 4, a speckled back contrasts with the white backs of belugas swimming below the Pointe-Noire land observation platform…
Research in the St. Lawrence Stalled This Summer
Normally, whale experts up and down the St. Lawrence would have begun their research a long time ago. However, the…
Expanded Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre Opens!
After months of diligent efforts, a work site put on hold by COVID-19 measures and numerous challenges along the way,…
Action in the Gaspé and the Estuary
Atlantic white-sided dolphins by the hundreds, fin whales by the dozens, acrobatic humpbacks: observers in the Gaspé have had plenty…
With the Large Rorquals… New Mothers and a Whale Swimming Backward!
What a pleasure it is to cross paths with large rorquals! This week, we encountered two blue whales, nearly a…
Inside the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network Call Centre
What happens on the other end of the line while and after a case is reported to the Quebec Marine…
Let’s get loud
Have you ever heard a minke whale feeding at the surface? What a ruckus! An explosive spout is heard and,…
Are whales diurnal or nocturnal?
Within the animal kingdom, most species adjust their periods of sleep and activity according to a repeated 24-hour cycle called…
Reporting Carcasses: What’s the point?
The answer is simple: by reporting a carcass to the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN), you are helping…
When they move, they move!
July 9: Off the coast of Matane, a humpback whale takes a dive. All eyes focus on its black-and-white tail;…
How do whales go months without eating?
When fall returns, the humpbacks of the St. Lawrence head to the Caribbean for the winter. In the space of…
Some Days You Get Lucky, Some Days You Don’t
The number of observers on the water and on shore is on the upswing. However, some days, despite all their…
With the Belugas… And Start of the 2020 Season
This year, GREMM’s (Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals) season of field research kicked off on June 15.…
400 Right Whales Left… Now What?
How many North Atlantic right whales are left in the world? If the answer today hovers around 400, for researchers,…
First Right Whale Carcass: Another Calf Struck by a Ship
The first North Atlantic right whale carcass in 2020 was spotted during an aerial survey on June 25, drifting off…
Belugas in Baie Sainte-Marguerite Bay and return of the dolphins
July 1, Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park. In the dusty light at the end of the day, light breaths appear for a…
Skeletons Moved to Tadoussac’s Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
Friday, May 15, 9:30 a.m. Fully dressed and knapsack ready to go, I can hardly wait to kick off this special…
Belugas and minke whales take centre stage
After a week brimming with observations, local residents have noted a slow-down in whale activity in recent days. Is the…
Right Whale Protection Measures: Highs and Lows
Since the start of the year, news concerning protection measures specific to North Atlantic right whales has been like a…
Young Bearded Seal in Laval
A young bearded seal is observed from June 23 to June 28 at the BoBiNo marina in Laval. This species…
What is the purpose of this tag and chord?
Many people are concerned by the tags and chords they occasionally see attached to a seal or whale carcass. Sometimes,…
Can we rid whales of their pollution?
Pollution can accumulate in whales' bodies and cause them serious health problems. “Can we flush this pollution out of a…
Whales and Calves
Witnessing a whale accompanied by a baby – also known as a calf – brings observers great joy. But when…
A Little Stroll Out to Sea
With the return of warmer weather, kayakers and boaters are setting out to go fishing, enjoy the saline air or…
Various Cases Keeping Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network Busy
Although all the projectors have been on the stray humpback whale between Québec City and Montréal, this individual is not the…
Dead Humpback Found in Varennes Victim of Ship Strike
On June 10, the team from Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine performed a necropsy on the whale, meaning…
Visiting Humpback in Fluvial Estuary (Québec City – Montréal)
The humpback as an ambassador for a greater cause We understand the emotional aspect of the situation. Local residents who…
Breaching Near the Docks, Feeding Near the Beach
It’s not just the humpback whale in Montréal that’s making waves! On June 1, an observer takes advantage of a…
My dream is to swim with dolphins or whales. What would be the impact of such an activity?
In many places around the globe, ecotourism organizations offer the opportunity to swim with marine mammals. Whether we’re talking about…
Sometimes, Best Way to Help Whale is to Leave It Alone
Many people have been writing to us to express their concern about the humpback whale currently in Montréal. We appreciate…
Things are picking up again!
Five greyish-blue backs contrast with the still snow-capped Chic-Chocs in the Gaspé. A black back near the bridges of Québec…
Dawn of a Promising Season
A few days ago, I set sail out of Matane with a friend of mine. In the protected waters between…
Do different killer whale ecotypes communicate in the same way?
Following our article on the various killer whale ecotypes, one reader asked whether killer whales of different ecotypes are able…
2019 Beluga Mortality Report
“Mortality figures for 2019 are hardly reassuring,” comments Robert Michaud, scientific director for the Group for Research and Education on…
First Beluga Carcass of 2020 on the Shores of the St. Lawrence
A beluga carcass washed ashore in Matane late in the day on May 15. This is the first case this…
New Record Season in Sight for Humpbacks?
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…
North Atlantic Right Whales Disturbingly Unfit
It is widely known that the North Atlantic right whale population is struggling, but a study has recently underscored just…
Putting One’s Pregnancy “On Pause”
In spring, many observers report seeing seals on the shores of the St. Lawrence. The sun is out more and…
A Cumulus in the Water and a Whale in the Sky
Observers occasionally send us some of their whale photos. Depending on the species, GREMM’s team examines these photos in the…