Marsouin communPhocoena phocoena |
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| Length | 1.5 to 2 m |
| Weight | 45 to 50 kg, up to 65 kg |
| Sociability | Sometimes solitary or in pairs, but usually in groups of 5 to 10 |
| Longevity | 10 to 13 years |
| Dive time | 1 to 3 min, up to 12 min |
| Observations | Regular in the Gulf and in the Estuary |
| Worldwide distribution | Coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere |
| Worldwide population | Unknown, probably in decline |
The smallest of the St. Lawrence cetaceans and one of the smallest of its kind in the world, its size makes it very difficult to spot. Thousands of porpoises are killed every year,accidentally caught in fishing nets.
Harbour porpoise "Science and conservation" page
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During the summer, on calm days, one can spot dozens of small groups of harbour porpoises discretely patrolling the waters of the St. Lawrence. It is impossible to see their blow. They are barely audible even when they are very close. When the wind comes up and waves begin to form, their dark colour, combined with their small size, render them virtually invisible.
Their coastal habits and our fishing methods don’t mix very well. It is estimated that 1000 harbour porpoises die each year in fishing nets. On the east coast of the United States and in the Bay of Fundy, the magnitude of the problem is so great that there is concern for the survival of the population. For now, the overall size of the St. Lawrence population of harbour porpoises is not known and it is difficult to evaluate the seriousness of the situation.