Species at Risk

Beluga (St. Lawrence population)

How can I help?

Belugas, in addition to their impressive vocal repertoire, can also emit ultrasonic sounds! The echo that comes back allows them to find prey, holes in the ice and even obstacles.

• Behave respectfully toward belugas when you observe them, whether at the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park or elsewhere on the St. Lawrence. Watch them from land sthat you dnot disturb them. If you prefer tparticipate in a whale-watching trip on the water, choose a cruise company that respects the regulations on observing marine mammals.
• Be curious. Learn more about the beluga and share your knowledge about this species with your group. Visit the exhibit on the beluga at the Sainte-Marguerite Bay Pavilion in the Saguenay park. Meet with interpreter-guides from the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre.
• Always, and particularly at the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, dispose of your garbage appropriately. When picnicking, use reusable containers and utensils. Tooften, plastic bags and wraps, juice containers and other garbage fly away and end up in the water where they can pollute the environment for decades, or even centuries.
• Adopt daily habits that respect the environment. Your use of water has an impact on the health of the river: save it and use ecologically friendly cleaning products!
• Does your municipality have a sewer system that effectively treats wastewater before dumping it in the rivers? If not, share your concerns about this issue with elected municipal and/or regional officials.

Links

• Parks Canada
  • Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park
  • Time for Nature – Watching the whale watchers
• Environment Canada:
  • Species at Risk – Beluga Whale, St. Lawrence population
• Committee on the Situation of Endangered Wildlife (COSEWIC)
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada:
  • Aquatic Species at Risk
• Whales On-line