Ocya
Beluga
Adopted by collective sponsors
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ID number
DL1390
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Sex
Unknown
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Year of birth
Before 1984
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Known Since
1998
Distinctive traits
This beluga has a deep notch in its dorsal ridge and small black dots on its right flank.
Life history
When Ocya was first observed in 1998 off the coast of Rivière-du-Loup, it was already completely white. At birth, belugas are café au lait in colour, after which they turn grey and eventually white. Complete whiteness is reached between the ages of 12 and 16. We can therefore estimate that Ocya was born before 1984.
This small individual has always been observed with other females in the Saguenay River area, suggesting it is a female. Within their summer range, females form large communities in which they care for newborns and young. These communities are faithful to traditional territories and exchanges between them are uncommon.
Ocya’s companions include Pascolio and Céline.
Ocya has been regularly observed with young and, in 2007, the research team observed it with a newborn. It is difficult to establish mother-calf relationships with certainty, since different females within a given community are believed to play a role in caring for young. It is therefore necessary to make repeated observations of the two animals together several times or obtain genetic data.
How Ocya’s story unfolds will help us better understand the social and reproductive lives of belugas. By better understanding how belugas live, we will be able to better protect them.
Observations history in the Estuary
Years in which the animal was not observed Years in which the animal was observed
Latest news
Off the coast of Les Escoumins, the team from the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM) is pursuing its beluga photo-ID program. The conditions are perfect, with good light and low winds. On board the Bleuvet, the team spots a herd of belugas numbering about 15 individuals, most of which are adults. The herd’s behaviour is very dynamic and the belugas are proving difficult to photograph. Fortunately, we manage to snap a picture of DL1390, the identification number of Ocya. On the surface, we see backs and tails appear, as well as splashes of water. Listening carefully, a research assistant even hears the belugas vocalize. Sometimes beluga herds swim in the same direction, but this time the animals seem to want to go in different directions.
All this activity on the surface intrigues the team. The drone is launched to be able to film the scene from above. Amid all this white are a few flashes of pink, which are the animals’ penises. It’s a privilege to be able to film this scene, as we do not often witness these kinds of interactions in a natural environment. What are the belugas doing? We are not in the beluga breeding season, which is in spring. Could the belugas be engaged in sexual play? Or is this a sort of training for next year’s breeding season? Only by pursuing long-term studies will we be able to better understand the reproductive health of these cetaceans.
Sponsors
Collective sponsors adopted Ocya (2019).
OBV Saguenay, École des Quatre-Vents and the 110 people who took part in the campaign
The Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay (OBV Saguenay) and École primaire Des Quatre-Vents have organized an awareness campaign on the precarious situation of the beluga whale (St. Lawrence Estuary population), and are raising funds to adopt a beluga whale to finance scientific research on this species by the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM).
Nathalie Lucas
Thank you so much for the work you do. These animals are a public good and must not disappear from our world!
Stéphanie Simard
In honor of Guy Simard. Thank you for being guardians of the wonders of our river. It’s so precious. <3
Susan McKibben
Keep up your excellent work. I’ll look forward to hearing more news of our Beluga. I suggest the name “Sadie” for this lovely Beluga!
Cynthia Beaulieu
Arthur Segond
We suggest the name COCO
Maude Roy
My greatest dream is to see belugas! It’s an honor for me to help you protect and care for them every month! I propose Ocya as my first name 
Danielle Thibault
Hello, I’ve been fascinated by belugas for a long time. I have great respect for these beautiful mammals and I’m very worried about them, especially since Gov. Legault wants to adopt the gas liquefaction and shipping project. It’s inconceivable that there are so many cargo ships coming and going in the very habitat of the beluga! On top of the cancerous diseases that plague them, there will be even more pollution and noise. I just hope the project doesn’t go ahead, or at the very least, that they’ll take care and protect the species with your knowledge and help. As such, the industry should pay a fee to pass through beluga territory. This money would go a long way to helping your projects. If we can make a difference at that level, it’s a win-win situation. Thank you for all you do. DL1390 has a nice little crest on its back. Before I really saw it in all the photos, I thought Fovea would be a nice little name for it. But I’m almost tempted to suggest Petite Crête. Especially as in the photos, this crest is beautiful, like a mini, mini fin. Thanks again for all you do.
Clélia Gauduchon
Magalie Fournier
Participating in this adoption was the goal of my personal project as part of my final year in the International Education Program at École secondaire de l’Île (Gatineau). I propose the name Sedna, the name of the Inuit goddess of the sea and sea creatures.
Tifani Schwaller
Thank you for all your hard work. We’re delighted to be involved in the adoption of this beluga from France. Perhaps we’ll have the chance to see her and her companions on a future visit. We suggest the name Comet, as she flies, all white, across the almost black ocean.
One Love. One Earth Yoga
Aloha!!! Here’s a happy donation from OLOE to bring some love to your beautiful foundation and this little beluga!Youppiii!
Coast Bound
When you purchase a Coast Bound chain or bracelet, you can choose which foundation or project you’d like to donate a percentage of the sale to. We’re happy to support GREMM and the belugas!
Laure Mussier (16th donation)
On behalf of La terre. If everyone contributes to one or more causes, then little by little we’ll be saving Mother Earth I propose the name Pow wow
Isaac Gauthier (5th donation)
In honor of our baby. Thank you for the excellent work you do. The St. Lawrence is a collective wealth and should benefit all living species, human and otherwise, that inhabit it. I hope my humble donation will be useful to you
Lou Bernadet
I’m 14 and I dream of becoming a marine biologist. Every summer, I try with my family to go marine mammal watching in Quebec or Maine. This summer (2018), I was in Les Escoumins and was lucky enough to see the humpback whale Tic Tac Toe. So, I’d like to contribute to GREMM’s research and maybe even one day …
Sophie Marois
In honor of Felix Marois (Mr. Happy Beluga) Thank you for the important work you do! Like you, my brother has always been fascinated by marine mammals.I hope to be able to contribute what I can to your research and conservation efforts.
Fanny Lercier
On behalf of Sitronnelle. Many thanks for your actions! We discovered you in Tadoussac during our trip this year, and we wanted to support your cause! Long live the St Laurent belugas Cédric,fanny and their 4 legs (maya,paddy,houston,dakota) from France ???? In tribute to Sitronnelle de la paix retrouvée.
André-Philippe Drapeau Picard
A little help to support GREMM’s remarkable work, for the rest of the world…
Isabelle Bichet
We were in Les Escoumins in September 2018. We were touched by the presence and energy of the whales, all species included. Thank you for protecting them and making them known. It’s our pleasure to support you. This beluga whale inspired us to name her Ondine. Karine & Isabelle.
Nathanaelle Bonsang
In honor of Cassandre Nicoleau.
Audrey Hottin (30th donation)
Patricia Lyonnet (9 donations)
Suggests the name Neige.
Alain Senecal (27th donation)
In the name of my children!
Odile Rompré-Brodeur
She should be called Sprinkles.
Cécile Pinault
In honor of Olili. I propose to call DL1390 “La mime Marsouin”. Long live her!
Eric and Virginie Bionnet Mallen
We’re from France and visited Quebec in October as a family with our 2 children. We loved the whale watching cruise, the CIMM in Tadoussac and the night at Les Escoumins…We can’t wait to come back! We suggest the name Coraline, which is also the name of our 7 year old daughter. Congratulations on your work.
Manon Lapointe
I suggest Hope as a beluga name. I suggest the name “Hope”.
Fanie Robert
Thank you
Christophe & Émilie
Thank you for your welcome during our visit to the Centre d’interprétation des mammifères marins in Tadoussac. Congratulations for your work, we support you!