Seals, Rorquals and More!

“Between Baie-Comeau and Franquelin, huge spouts resisting the winds. Two distinct individuals moving westward in the offshore tide rip,” deftly describes one whale enthusiast. “Five blue whales are still feeding in the area,” comments one passionate resident before adding, “A mother and calf very close to shore.”

At the very most, about thirty mother-calf pairs have been spotted in the St. Lawrence since 1979. Any sighting in the gulf or estuary is therefore both rare and valuable in that it gives scientists additional insight to better understand these giant cetaceans. Individuals reach sexual maturity around the age of 10. Reproduction and calving take place in late fall or winter. Why at the same time of year? Because gestation lasts 10 or 11 months!

Since 2002, the blue whale has been listed as endangered in Canada. Pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, ship collisions, disturbances caused by human activity, and climate change threaten the survival of the largest beast on the planet.

Many people just can’t resist the pouty, endearing, and cute expressions of harp seal pups. Both in the Magdalen Islands and the Gaspé Peninsula, young pups have been harassed on the beaches, victims of their adorable little mugs. To help our readers understand why it’s important to stay away from them, we’ve posted an article in which we explain five good reasons why seals should not be approached.

It can’t be overemphasized: Whether they’re adults or newborns, it’s absolutely critical not to get too close to seals. These are wild animals, and for both their well-being and your own safety, a minimum distance of 50 metres should be maintained.

Thanks to all our collaborators!

Special thanks go out to all our observers who share their love for marine mammals with us! Your encounters with cetaceans and pinnipeds are always a pleasure to read and discover.

On the water or from shore, it is your eyes that give life to this column.