Over the years…

Founded in 1985, GREMM has proudly carried out its mission for 40 years. The organization is dedicated to scientific research on the cetaceans of the St. Lawrence and education for marine conservation purposes. From the very beginning, belugas have sparked the curiosity of the organization’s team, ever fascinated by the animals’ behaviour and social structure. They have become one of the flagship species of GREMM’s research efforts.

The herd numbers about fifty individuals. Sightings of groups of this size used to be a common occurrence; last summer, however, such observations were quite rare. This is probably the largest herd observed by the research team since the start of the season. “These past few years, it’s been more difficult than it used to be. We have to patrol for longer periods before we’re able to find them,” Michel tells me.

This summer, groups of belugas were sighted in the Gaspé Peninsula and on the North Shore with greater regularity and in higher numbers than before. “What’s going on? Is their range beginning to shift?” ponders Michel.

The composition and distribution of the herds are no longer the same; Michel wonders if the size of the animals has also changed. “They seem thinner and smaller… less plump,” he worries. With photogrammetry data currently being analyzed, the research will be able to confirm or infirm the research teams’ hunches in the coming years.

These observations raise a number of questions for the research team. Are these exceptional years or the beginning of a profound change for the St. Lawrence beluga population? It is still too early to say. GREMM Scientific Director Robert Michaud nevertheless points out that these transformations “coincide with more profound changes taking place in the ecosystem.” According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s most recent report (2025) on the oceanographic conditions of the St. Lawrence River, the St. Lawrence is no longer the same: It is warming at an alarming rate, acidifying, and losing oxygen. A recent publication also reveals that the beluga whale’s diet has changed over the past two decades: With their favourite prey in decline, they have no choice but to adopt a more generalist diet. At the same time, the St. Lawrence beluga population continues to face significant pressures from human activities—noise pollution, contamination, disturbance—all further compounded by climate change. Now more than ever, it is critical to continue our research to better understand belugas and their environment so that we can better protect them. In my eyes, this is where GREMM’s mission becomes truly meaningful.

Just shy of 11:30, a cloud cell settles over the Marine Park, bringing our sea excursion to an end. While Mathieu prepares to land the drone, Estelle stretches out her arms to receive it, and Jade-Audrey climbs down from the upper deck. Now that we’ve completed our task, we can step back and observe the belugas not through a scientific lens, but simply enjoy them for who they are. “Without this part, something would be missing,” points out Michel.