CSL supports beluga research through WWF-Canada

Founding Green Marine member and participant Canada Steamship Lines (CSL) has ‘adopted’ a beluga whale to support long-term research towards solving problems affecting this endangered specie. The Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM) has renewed the adoption program initiated in 1988 by putting belugas – or rather their individual photos and stories – up for adoption. CSL is among the supporters that have pledged to be a whale’s benefactor for at least three years – the length of time a young beluga needs to be with his or her mother. “CSL has been active on the St. Lawrence River for over 100 years and is committed to maintaining the health of this incredible national treasure,” says Kirk Jones, CSL’s Vice President, Sustainability, Government and Industry Affairs. The adoption coincides with CSL’s new $100,000 commitment to WWF-Canada over the next two years towards research that strives to help the threatened species. The long-term partnership established in 2006 between CSL and WWF-Canada is already yielding results, notably in the right whale population. “About 60 whales were born between 2010 and 2011,” says David Miller, WWF-Canada’s president and CEO. “We are pleased to see CSL stand out as a leader in the shipping industry when it comes to the protection of this endangered species.” Several Green Marine supporters have also adopted belugas, including the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, the Vancouver Aquarium, as well as the City of Montreal and Quebec City.