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Enormous whales, belugas and seals are found in the
St. Lawrence River. These marine mammals are drawn by the abundant food found
in these waters, as are the hundreds of thousands birds
living in the area. Fish and shellfish are caught
as food by humans, though quotas are established to prevent overfishing. Did you
know that laws exist to protect endangered animals, plants
and habitats? And there are many fun facts
to learn about the river!
Do whales come to the St. Lawrence River to pay a social call to their cousins,
the belugas, who live in the seaway year-round? Maybe, but these get-togethers
are generally an excuse to enjoy a feast served on a banquet table stretching
all the way along the North Shore, from Tadoussac to Natashquan. As for the seals,
they prefer to sun themselves on rocks or entertain the public with their antics...
Belugas of the St. Lawrence
Belugas, year-round residents
Contrary to the other whale species, belugas live in the St. Lawrence
River year round. They are a common sight swimming near the Saguenay
Fjord and near the bay on the Sainte-Marguerite River, a well-known
salmon spawning ground. Female belugas and their young are frequently
spotted in the St. Lawrence between Isle-aux-Coudres and Tadoussac,
while the males go past Tadoussac to the estuary, where the water
is saltier.
Belugas as ice breakers
St. Lawrence belugas have a fin on their backs allowing them to break
the ice covering the surface of the water in the winter to make breathing
holes, without which they would drown. Other species of whales that
take too long to leave the St. Lawrence face the same problem.
Concert in the sea
Belugas are also called the "canary of the sea" because
the two animals' calls are so much alike. It is easy to understand
why the talkative, playful and curious beluga, which is an accomplished
"folksinger", to boot, is a favourite with tourists on whale-watching
cruises in the St. Lawrence! Have you ever heard a recording of whale
songs, with their hauntingly beautiful, yet mysteriously powerful,
melodies?
Looking to decipher dolphin speech
It is not thought the squeaking of the canary of the seas is as well-defined
a language as that of dolphins, a relative of the belugas. As you
may be aware, some scientists are convinced that dolphins are the
only member of whale family to have developed a language. Research
has been inconclusive, so humans have not yet been able to communicate
with dolphins in their tongue. Did you know that a few species of
dolphin are found in the St. Lawrence River?
Dolphins took part in the Iraq War in 2003!
Dolphins are very intelligent. Humans have taught them a number of
tricks and jumps to entertain the public in aquariums. The military
also trains dolphins—to find underwater mines. How do they do
this? Dolphins patrol the water looking for mines. When they find
one, they tell their handlers its location through a movement they
learned. But don't worry, the dolphins never touch the mines! These
mammals, enlisted in the American Marines corps, completed their first
mission during the Iraq War in March 2003.
Pilot to bombardier, belugas at three o'clock
Times sure have changed! Did you know that part of a bomber pilot's
training during World War II was to fly over the St. Lawrence River
and use belugas as practice targeting their bombs. The white belugas
were visible when they swam at the surface in pods and served as realistic,
moving targets.
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