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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!
Plants along the riverbank
The variety of plants and flowers growing along the St. Lawrence can
be explained by the varying environmental conditions, including different
types of soil, sunlight, water levels and tides!
Common plants
Spartina, which can only live in salt water, is the dominant plant
species in saltwater marshes. It is one of the hardier plants found
in this environment, as it can survive being submerged under high
tide. Bulrushes are another common plant; its roots are a staple in
the diet of snow geese and other aquatic birds, who search for the
edible roots under the mud with their beaks.
Saltwort, the edible marsh plant
Saltwort grows along the bank of the St. Lawrence Estuary. This plant
has been featured in dishes prepared by leading Quebec chefs for several
years now.
When lambs go to sea
Specially-selected lambs spend the summer on Île Verte, a small
inhabited island near Tadoussac, grazing in the saltwater flats along
the shore. This diet gives their meat a slightly salty flavour that
is prized by chefs and lovers of haute cuisine! Have you ever tried
this lamb? If not, that is too baaaad.
Eelgrass
Also known as sea grass or wrack grass, eelgrass used to grow on the
flats on the bank and islands of the Lower St. Lawrence. This plant
was harvested like hay, then sold to furniture manufacturers to stuff
sofas and mattresses! Eelgrass harvesting was a profitable industry.
Unfortunately, this plant became extinct in the 1930s, wiped out by
an illness.
Purple loosestrife, a plant menace
Accidentally introduced in Canada over 150 years ago, this pretty
plant with purple flowers is a threat to other plants along the shore.
Originally from Europe, it has no natural predators and can grow unchecked,
effectively taking resources away from other plants. One purple loosestrife
can produce nearly 3 million seeds! So far, this plant has proven
resistant to all attempts to eradicate it.
But why would someone want to get rid of this plant? Basically, because
it could eventually take over the banks and marshes of the St. Lawrence,
depriving birds and fish of the other plants they use for food. This,
in turn, would lead to the disappearance of these animals. The problem
is that no local animal wants to eat the purple loosestrife. Its only
predator appears to be anyone interested in gathering a bouquet of
purple flowers… |
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