Research projects

Marine mammals—inhabitants of an under-explored world—have always intrigued and fascinated humans. Through scientific research, we are finally getting to know them better. At the same time, we are also gaining a clearer understanding of the challenges they face. Select a species you would like to learn more about. Scroll down to visualize all projects.

St. Lawrence Beluga

  • Do beluga whales have friends?
  • What do belugas die from?
  • How many contaminants are found in belugas?
  • Is the belugas immune system still intact?
  • Are living belugas as contaminated as dead belugas?
  • Are we making too much noise?
  • How many beluga whales are there?
  • Morbillivirus epidemic : a threat for the St. Lawrence beluga ?
  • Are beluga whales victims of PAHs?
  • What do belugas do underwater?
  • Is the accumulation of fire-retardant products in beluga whales a cause for concern?
  • Do PAHs (toxic contaminants) cause cancer in St. Lawrence beluga whales?
  • What do young beluga whales die of?

    Blue Whale

  • Who are the St. Lawrence blue whales?
  • What do blue whales do underwater?
  • Why do St. Lawrence blue whales pair up in the fall?

    Fin Whale

  • What do fin whales do during the day? And at night?
  • What ties unite the fin whales of the North Atlantic?
  • Who are the fin whales of the Estuary?
  • Does krill influence the dispersal of fin whales?
  • Are fin whales at the mercy of available food?
  • Are Nova Scotia and St. Lawrence fin whales the same animals?

    North Atlantic right whale

  • Are the Basques responsible for the decline of North Atlantic right whales?

    Minke Whale

  • Do minke whales employ unique feeding strategies in the Saguenay Fjord?

    Northern Bottlenose Whale

  • Who are the northern bottlenose whales of the Scotian Shelf?

    Harbour Porpoise

  • Are St. Lawrence harbour porpoise still victims of bycatch?

    Harbour Seal

  • Harbour seals, residents or seasonal visitors?

    Multi-species

  • Do whale watching boats disturb the whales?
  • What are the whale watching boats doing?
  • What roles do marine mammals play in St. Lawrence ecosystems?
  • Can the great whales of the Estuary tell us where they are?
  • What influences the accumulation of whale food in the Estuary?
  • Are Gulf of St. Lawrence rorqual whales contaminated?
  • Is it possible to do a pregnancy test on free-ranging cetaceans?