Quebec government provides $600,000 for a land-based beluga observation project

The Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec (the province’s forestry, fauna and parks agency) has announced a $600,000 contribution to the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM) for its Fenêtre sur les belugas (Window on Belugas) project.

With the funding, GREMM will be able to install a network of land-based beluga observation sites by 2023 to replace the at-sea observation of these marine mammals and thereby reduce the human disturbance of this threatened species.

Three locations well known for their proximity to belugas in Quebec waters – namely the Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector, the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre, and Gros-Cacouna Mountain – will form the heart of this network. Interconnected, these observation stations will offer a true immersive experience to better understand and appreciate belugas that is further enriched with the presence of researchers and guides on site.

The beluga population in the St. Lawrence has been declining by nearly 1% annually since 2000, mainly because of disturbances caused by navigation. In partnership with the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, this project aims to showcase the region’s wildlife in a responsible way to help ensure the sustainable development of natural attractions.

In addition to creating a new environmentally friendly tourism opportunity, Fenêtre sur les bélugas will facilitate greater scientific knowledge about the beluga.

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