Researchers note that whales are staying in the St. Lawrence River for less time
Several experts note that the number of whales observed this summer on both sides of the St. Lawrence River is low, even though the observation season is not over.
Specialists working out of the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM) say in an article published on their site that the whales' behaviour has changed.
Tim Perrero, the person in charge of the GREMM's large whale census, said that the whales' stays in the estuary are "extremely short" compared to their usual habits. He said that several individuals who are seen often in the area at this location have only stayed for a week or even a few days.
This is the case of a humpback whale named Tic Tac Toe that has made several short visits to the area this season, whereas it usually stays for a long time.
In addition, fin whales that are normally faithful to the estuary have not yet been sighted. Perrero mentioned four identified whales that usually spend up to half the season in the area.
Parks Canada ecologist Samuel Turgeon noted the same thing. His data on the monitoring of whale-watching activities in the marine park suggests that these mammals are staying in the area less and exploring more.
The Mingan Island Cetacean Research Station (MICS) has noticed a decrease in the number of large whales visiting the Jacques-Cartier Strait for several years.
The situation is quite different for the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, where the number of humpback whales and fin whales has exceeded the season averages since 2018.
"Even if the number of whales appears to be lower in the estuary, it is not particularly low this season if we compare it to the early 2010s," said Fisheries and Oceans Canada biologist Véronique Lesage. "So far, seven fin whales have been identified in the estuary, a number similar to the totals recorded between 2014 and 2017. The number of humpback whales -- 37 sightings -- surpasses even previous years, with the exception of 2021."
In the Gaspé region, about 20 humpback whales and a few fin whales were seen at the beginning of the season, but since then their appearances have been rare. GREMM maintains that it is normal to see fewer whales in July than in June in this sector.
However, it is unusual to have a complete absence of blue whales and few fin whales.
The presence of whales has varied over the past few years, making it difficult to discern the causes of these changes in habits. Experts are considering the hypothesis of variations in the abundance of prey, since whales visit the St. Lawrence River mainly to feed.
In the Marine Park, for example, the Parks Canada team conducts censuses to detect the presence of prey. Preliminary data show that there are very few sandeels, a fish that whales feed on, contrary to previous years when such censuses were carried out.
Disturbances in the ecosystem, including warmer water and reduced ice cover, may be responsible for the changes in the amount of prey present in these waters.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Aug. 15, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.