St. Lawrence beluga

16 June 2005

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu invests in the protection of the St. Lawrence beluga whale

The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu and its Green Committee unveiled its new environmental programme on Monday, June 6. Protection of the St. Lawrence beluga whale is central to this programme. Henceforth, hotel activities will be focused around a St. Lawrence beluga whale theme.

The first step in the spirit of this new mission was the adoption of a beluga whale through the St. Lawrence National Institute of Ecotoxicology's (SLNIE) “Let's Adopt a Beluga!” campaign: the 26th beluga whale to be adopted by the Fairmont Hotels group. The SLNIE's “Let's Adopt a Beluga!” campaign was created to raise funds for research programmes aimed at better understanding the St. Lawrence beluga whale population that is threatened by environmental contamination, disturbance and the degradation of its habitat. The beluga whale adopted by Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is one of the nearly 350 St. Lawrence beluga whales that have been identified by researchers working for the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM) and the SLNIE. The whale's code name is Dl 575; D and l are the initials of the species' scientific name, Delphinapterus leucas. However, this beluga whale has just been given a new name. From now on it will be called Perle (French for pearl), chosen by the hotel's Green Committee through a naming contest that was held for hotel employees. Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu also plans other annual fund raising activities in support of the SLNIE.

Along with this financial contribution to St. Lawrence beluga whale conservation efforts, the hotel's Green Committee is also committed to raising awareness among clients and employees to the beluga whale cause. To this end, a beluga mascot—also named Perle—will appear at various events and activities. An Adopt a Beluga Package has been developed that includes a whale-watching tour with AML Cruises and a contribution to the SLNIE. Finally, guest will be invited to take their coffee breaks on the hotel's promenade—that faces the River—with the possibility of observing beluga whales that swim near the shore and to learn more about this threatened population.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts developed an environmental programme in 1990 to better manage waste, conserve energy and water and use ecological products. The second phase of this programme encourages each of its 45 hotels to come up with initiatives to protect the environment with their guests, employees and local communities. The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu initiative is part of this programme.

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Press release :

19 May 2005

The Environment Minister proposes to add the beluga whale to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk

Last Monday, Minister of the Environment Stéphane Dion, in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada Minister Geoff Regan, published his recommendation to add 43 new species to Canada’s List of Wildlife Species at Risk. The St. Lawrence beluga whale was included among the species proposed in this recommendation, which follows up on the 44 evaluations produced last October by specialists working for the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Seven of these evaluations concerned aquatic species, including four marine mammals.

Listed threatened since 2003, the St. Lawrence beluga population numbers around 1000 individuals and is showing no signs of increasing. The high levels of toxic chemicals measured in these whales could hinder recovery. Also, dredging, maritime transportation, tourism, industrial activities and environmental pollution diminish the quality of its habitat and contaminate its prey. The three other marine mammals proposed for inclusion on the List by the Environment minister are the Pacific harbour porpoise, the grey whale and Steller's sea lion.

The government has until the month of July to either approve or refuse to include species proposed by the Environment minister to be added to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk. The Species at Risk Act (SARA) increases the level of protection of species included on the List. SARA prohibits the hunting, capture, harassment or harming of all species that are endangered or are threatened and are on the List of Wildlife Species at Risk (Schedule 1 of SARA). The possession, collection, purchase, sale or exchange of individuals, parts of individuals or products of these species are also forbidden. SARA also prohibits the damaging or destruction of the residence or any element of the essential habitat of these species. Finally, this Act engages competent ministers—Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the case of marine mammals—to prepare recovery and action plans based on the recovery program for species listed in Schedule 1.

On the other hand, the application of the Species at Risk Act could have repercussions on various economic sectors. By adding a marine mammal to the List, merchant vessels might have to modify their shipping lanes and reduce speed. The fishing industry could undergo restrictions related to fishing gear, fishing seasons and fishing zones in order to reduce entanglement. The oil and gas industry could also be required to follow stricter guidelines for seismic surveying and production. Finally, the whale-watching industry may also have to follow stricter regulations.

To date, 306 species have been protected under SARA. Ten of these are cetaceans: the Atlantic and the Pacific blue whales, the North Atlantic right whale, the Pacific sei whale, the North Pacific humpback whale, the Atlantic grey whale (extirpated) and the four populations of killer whales of the Pacific North East.

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On Environment Canada site :

12 June 2003

Fisheries and Oceans Canada to Regulate Whale-Watching Activities

The last of a series of meetings organized by Fisheries and Oceans Canada took place on June 4 in Les Escoumins. These nation-wide public consultation meetings were held in light of DFO’s project to modify its Marine Mammal Regulations. The existing Marine Mammal Regulations prohibit the disturbance of marine mammals (whales, seals and sea otters). These Regulations are too general and do not inform the public about behaviours that are unacceptable when viewing marine mammals in their natural environment. Whereas cruises aimed at viewing whales and other marine mammals are increasingly popular in Canada, a report by Dr. Jon Lien of Memorial University in Newfoundland has demonstrated that these activities can adversely affect their behaviour, and by doing so, prevent them from completing activities that are essential to their survival.

Proposed modifications to the Regulations include general considerations such as prohibiting the disturbance of the vital life processes of marine mammals and prohibiting feeding, touching, swimming with or displacing marine mammals. Fisheries and Oceans Canada also plans on introducing measures to manage marine mammal viewing, rescue, research and media and film production activities.

These Regulations will be applied wherever marine mammals are present in Canada, be it the Atlantic Ocean, the St. Lawrence, the Pacific Ocean or the Arctic Ocean. Conditions indicated on permits issued within the context of these regulations will take regional differences into consideration. The Marine Activities in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations that have been in place since 2002 will still apply. Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s new Regulations will harmonize the behaviour of operators working on the periphery of the Marine Park with the Regulations that are in place within the Park.

The general public has until mid-August to forward comments, suggestions or advice to Fisheries and Oceans Canada. To obtain a workbook, visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s website. The results of these public consultations will be compiled as of September, after which DFO will work on the writing of proposed amended Regulations. These proposed Regulations will be presented to the general public in the spring of 2004, before the parliamentary process begins. [Fisheries and Oceans Canada]

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Fisheries and Oceans Canada website:

20 March 2003

A Marine Protection Area in the Estuary?

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada is presently examining the possibility of designating a Marine Protection Area (MPA) in the St. Lawrence Estuary in order to protect marine mammal habitat. This area would be adjacent to the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park that has been in place since 1998. The whale-watching industry in this area is evaluated at more than $100 million annually.

In total, 13 zones are being examined for designation as MPAs in Canada, including the Gully near Sable Island, an underwater canyon situated approximately 200 km from Nova Scotia. The official designation of the first MPA, the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents Area, situated south-west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, was announced on March 7. [Fisheries and Oceans Canada]

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Fisheries and Oceans Canada site:

6 March 2003

Monitoring the state of the St. Lawrence

On February 27, the State of the St. Lawrence Follow-Up Program presented a global portrait of the St. Lawrence. This program is part of the 1998-2003 phase of the St. Lawrence Vision 2000 Action Plan. Twenty one indicators were evaluated pertaining to water, the riverbed, banks, biological resources and uses of the River. In some cases, results are positive: contamination by toxic substances has diminished, certain animal populations, like the northern gannet and the great blue heron, have recovered, and freshwater fish and marine organisms are, for the most part, fit for human consumption. However, numerous problems continue to preoccupy those in charge of the program: bacteriological contamination still restricts swimming and the gathering of shellfish, while contaminants contained in sediments constitute a long-term threat, the introduction of exotic species have a negative impact on biodiversity and belugas are still threatened. [St. Lawrence Vision 2000]

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St. Lawrence Vision 2000 site:

19 December 2002

Canada adopts the Species at Risk Act

The Species at Risk Act received Royal Assent on December 12, bringing to a close a nine-year legislative process. This new Act will come into force in 2003 with the adoption of an order in council. Until then, the Government of Canada will develop the regulations required under the Act.

The Species at Risk Act will provide for better protection of species at risk and their habitats. Species will be assessed through a scientific evaluation process independent of the federal government. Emphasis will be put on the elaboration of recovery plans. This Act is one element of the government’s Strategy for the Protection of Species at Risk along with programs like the Habitat Stewardship Program, which finances conservation projects (45 million dollars over five years).

Ten whale species are on Canada’s species at risk list: the bowhead whale, the right whale, the beluga whale, the killer whale, the blue whale, the humpback whale, the fin whale, the harbour porpoise, the northern bottlenose whale and Sowerby’s beaked whale. [Environment Canada]

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Environment Canada News Release:

31 October 2002

The effects of the July 1996 Saguenay area floods on the aquatic environment

The torrential rains that fell on the Saguenay–Lac Saint-Jean region between July 19 and 21, 1996 resulted in major flooding. Swollen waterways scoured shorelines and widened riverbeds. Sediments were carried and deposited at the mouths of rivers and streams. As a result of flood damage to local infrastructures, chemicals were also transported downstream. These chemicals originated from industrial and municipal establishments, private residences and equipment such as transformers and gasoline reservoirs. After the flood, questions were raised concerning the condition of the water, sediments and fish. The Quebec Environment Ministry has just made available a report entitled L’effet des inondations de juillet 1996 sur les lacs et rivières de la région du Saguenay : contamination de l’eau, des sédiments et des poissons par les substances toxiques (Effects of the July 1996 flooding on the lakes and rivers of the Saguenay region: toxic substance contamination of the water, sediments and fish).

According to this report, levels of mercury, PCBs, PAHs, dioxins and chlorinated furans in the rivers of the Saguenay region are comparable to levels found in other rivers in the province of Quebec situated in urban industrial zones. The new layer of sediment deposited at the mouths of rivers after the flood contains low levels of PCBs, PAHs and metals when compared to levels recorded before the flood. Studies carried out on brook trout and white suckers indicate high levels of mercury in certain lakes. In all, the flooding of the Saguenay region does not appear to have resulted in a rise in contaminant levels in the waterways and sediments that were affected. However, the very presence of toxic substances is a reminder of the importance of continued efforts to decontaminate industrial and household wastes.[Ministère de l'Environnement du Québec]

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14 March 2002

New regulations for whale watching in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park

On March 12, Parks Canada announced the adoption and implementation of the Regulations Respecting Marine Activities in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. These regulations represent a first in Canada. They are aimed at protecting whales from disturbance by observation activities at sea. The development of the regulations involved a concerted approach: cruise operators, the scientific community as well as tourism, economic and social advocates from the region, all participated with the governments of Quebec and Canada for the elaboration of the regulations.

The Regulations Respecting Marine Activities in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park are comprised of two parts. The first describes the conditions for the issuance of permits, which applies to cruise operators in particular. The second defines speeds and distances to be respected, as well as various rules for the respectful approach of the animals. It is important to note that belugas, which are representatives of an endangered population, must be excluded from observation activities.

These new regulations apply to the 1138 km² covered by the Marine Park situated at the confluence of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence Estuary. Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Marine Mammal Regulations regulate the entire zone outside the Marine Park. This ministry is in the process of revising existing regulations to render them more apt to protect marine mammals in the St. Lawrence. For now, whale watching outside Marine Park boundaries is conducted with respect to a Code of ethics, on a voluntary basis. [Parks Canada News Release]

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On Parks Canada web site:

28 February 2002

Cancer in St. Lawrence belugas

An initial study published by Daniel Martineau of the Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal suggested a link between the first case of cancer detected in a St. Lawrence beluga whale and chemical contamination of this population. Since then, Dr. Martineau's team has carried out a meticulous investigation aimed at documenting causes of death in belugas. In a new study that appeared this month in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, Dr. Martineau and his collaborators describe the results of the examination of 129 beluga carcasses between 1983 and 1999. Their study reveals that cancer, particularly cancer of the digestive system, is the main cause of death of adult belugas (27%). This rate of cancer is much higher than that of Arctic belugas, not to mention all other species of wild mammal. It represents a rate that is comparable to what is found in humans.

The authors of the study also reveal that the rate of this type of cancer in the human population living in proximity of the beluga distribution area is also particularly high compared to other regions of Quebec and Canada. They also note that several studies on humans have established a link between these types of cancer and exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), powerful carcinogens released into the atmosphere by aluminum smelters. While not establishing a definitive cause and effect relationship, the presence of high concentrations of PAHs in the beluga environment and contamination of this species by these products lead the authors of the study to conclude that the high rates of cancer in belugas could be caused by these toxic pollutants.

Since the beginning of the investigation by Dr. Martineau's team, the main polluting industries in the St. Lawrence watershed have considerably reduced their toxic emissions. Alcan's aluminum smelters stopped dumping liquid PAHs in the early 1980s, and their annual atmospheric emissions of PAHs dropped from 1 600 tonnes in 1983 to approximately 370 tonnes in 1995, a 77% reduction. Despite these efforts, the beluga's situation remains precarious.

The St. Lawrence beluga is on Canada's endangered species list. Present population estimates of around 1 000 animals represent only 20 to 25% of the early twentieth century population. Although commercial whaling which is considered as the main cause of this drop ended 40 years ago, the St. Lawrence beluga population does not appear to be recovering. Results of regular aerial surveys carried out over the past 20 years have not demonstrated an increase in the number of belugas in the St. Lawrence.

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Abstract:

13 September 2001

The Marine Park presents its Ecosystem Conservation Plan

On September 6, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park presented its Ecosystem Conservation Plan to stakeholders and citizens of the Regional Municipal County of the Upper North Shore. The presentation took place in Les Escoumins. The Marine Park’s goal is to increase the level of protection of a representative portion of the Saguenay Fjord and of the St. Lawrence Estuary, and to enhance it for the benefit of present and future generations. The Ecosystem Conservation Plan aims at promoting an integrated management by bringing together various partners in the Marine Park’s Advisory Committee on Ecosystem Management and Research.

The ecosystem to be protected includes part of the Upper Estuary, part of the Lower Estuary and the Saguenay Fjord. This area has been inhabited for 8 000 years. It was first used by aboriginal peoples, and is now used by various communities that practice different activities like hunting, fishing, tourism and navigation. The main objective of the creation of the Park is one of protection and maintenance of biodiversity. However, sustainable use of the area is possible if it does not enter into conflict with this primary goal.

The Ecosystem Conservation Plan analyzes the resources of the Marine Park and lists recommendations for the use and protection of its resources. The Plan mentions the importance of concern for rare or endangered species, as well as for the most abundant species that are vital to the system. It also states that protected areas can serve as a reference to evaluate the state of the environment elsewhere in the St. Lawrence.

Concerning non-harvesting activities, the Ecosystem Conservation Plan underlines the importance of managing whale-watching activities while at the same time raising public awareness. It will also be important to manage the inflow of tourists by putting an emphasis on the "ecotourism experience" in relation to conservation values. It is also recommended working towards the management of industrial, domestic and agricultural waste. Concerning resource harvesting activities, research initiatives should be encouraged on harvested stocks taking all the components of the ecosystem into consideration. Measures must also be put into place for the management of ice-fishing, seal hunting and migratory bird hunting.

In order to put its Ecosystem Conservation Plan into action, the Marine Park is counting on the initiative of local organizations and citizens. Other presentations will be organized on demand in the other Regional Municipal Counties situated within the limits of the Park and on its periphery. [Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park]

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30 August 2001

Successful beluga rescue

Three juvenile beluga whales had been swimming the waters near Rivière-Saint-Paul, a small village not far from Blanc-Sablon in Belle Isle Straight, since April. This area is quite far from the normal distribution area of either St. Lawrence or Northern Quebec beluga whales. On June 5, the three belugas had left the bay to swim up the St. Paul River. They then remained in a portion of the River situated approximately 14 km from its delta.

After visiting the area to evaluate the situation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada had been monitoring the situation from a distance with the help of Rivière-Saint-Paul residents. On August 19, residents found the carcasses of two of the three belugas along the shore. The third beluga had been seen alive the same day. It was not seen for a few days. On Wednesday, the Fisheries and Oceans team received confirmation that it was still alive.

In the week that followed, Lena Measures, of Fisheries and Oceans, proceeded with a post-mortem examination of the two carcasses. The animals were emaciated; their stomachs and intestines were empty. The larger of the two, a female that had been named Casper by the residents of Rivière-Saint-Paul, appears to have beached itself, while still alive, on a reef in the River. The second animal, a male named Phantom, likely died in the water, its carcass coming ashore later.

The examination of the two carcasses suggests that these belugas were no longer successful in finding enough food in the River. As well, the water level was too low in certain areas for the third beluga, a male named Casper, to leave on its own. A Fisheries and Oceans team led by Véronique Lesage and assisted by Sylvain DeGuise, a veterinary doctor from the University of Connecticut, decided to move the remaining beluga from the River. After several attempts, the team, which was able to count on the assistance of the Rivière-Saint-Paul community, succeeded in capturing Casper in a net and hauling it aboard a Zodiac. They were then able to transport it to the mouth of the River and cross the bay to where the River flows into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The animal appeared calm, was breathing normally and, once freed, swam rapidly offshore. [Fisheries and Oceans Canada]

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On Whales online

12 July 2001

Three belugas, far from home

Three juvenile beluga whales have been spending time in the St. Paul River area, a village situated near Blanc-Sablon in Belle Isle Straight, since the month of April. Whether they are belugas from the St. Lawrence or northern Quebec, this sector is a long way from their regular distribution area. Similar cases of belugas "exploring" far from home have been noted regularly over the past decade either along the Lower North Shore, off Newfoundland or off Nova Scotia. On two occasions, genetic analyses allowed scientists to confirm that these animals most likely belonged to the St. Lawrence population. However, other belugas that had become entangled in fishing nets on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland had contamination profiles more consistent with northern populations. A member of the GREMM, a research group based in Tadoussac that is pursuing a long-term study on the belugas of the St. Lawrence, was dispatched to St. Paul River on June 30. He was able to obtain skin samples from two of the three belugas, which will help researchers establish their origin. Documenting these cases is useful for verifying the possibility that belugas move between the St. Lawrence and northern Quebec.

Typically, solitary belugas develop very stable movement patterns, adopting a small area and objects such as buoys, docks and boats. They usually become very sociable, going so far as to seek human contact. This contact often brings about serious problems. The whales may lose their ability to survive in their natural habitat and to establish normal relations with their own kind. They are also more at risk from boat collisions.

In the case of the three belugas at St. Paul River, these types of considerations prompted residents to contact the authorities of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in June. Fisheries officers have since been following the situation very closely to ensure the safety of the animals.

Last June 5 the three belugas left the bay that they were frequenting up until that time, and swam up St. Paul River. They have since adopted a part of the river approximately 14 km upstream from its mouth. The presence of three belugas in St. Paul River, which is a salmon river, has the owners of an outfitters camp, situated not far from where the belugas have taken up residence, a little on edge. The small size and young age of the three belugas means that it is unlikely that they would be able to capture large prey like adult salmon. Research conducted on the feeding habits of belugas shows that they could, on occasion, consume small salmon. Eel is another species of fish present in the river that is also on the beluga’s menu. However, available information suggests that the belugas are more than likely feeding on smelt, a species that is presently spawning in the river.

The presence of three belugas in the river also raises another problem. There is concern that the water level in the river may fall, preventing the belugas from reaching the sea later in the summer. Fisheries officers, with the help of Daniel Griffin, a resident of St. Paul River, are keeping track of both the water level and the state of the belugas. [GREMM]

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