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A new observation and interpretation site for St. Lawrence belugas was recently inaugurated in Cacouna, in Bas-Saint-Laurent. From next summer, it will allow visitors to observe the species in a habitat considered to be a real nursery for this endangered cetacean.
Less than 10 years ago, the oil company TransCanada, now TC Energy, wanted to build a tar sands oil export port in Cacouna, where there is already a port, which would then have become a major milestone. marketing of Alberta oil.
The project, abandoned after sparking heated controversy, would have been located directly in an area today classified as being “essential” to the survival and recovery of the St. Lawrence beluga, under the Species at Risk Act. from Canada. The area could even be part of the expansion project for the Saguenay–St. Lawrence marine park.
This habitat is notably recognized as part of a birthing area for females, which means that the animals frequent the Cacouna region during a critical phase of the life cycle of this cetacean, which resides all year round. in the St. Lawrence.
From June 2024, visitors to the region will be able to observe belugas and other species of the estuary from a first terrestrial observatory under the responsibility of the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk Maliseet First Nation. The latter is located very close to the port of Gros-Cacouna.
The building includes an observation platform located on the roof, a conference room and facilities to facilitate the work of researchers who will visit the site as part of their beluga research projects.
Threat
The species, classified as “endangered”, numbers around 1,800 individuals, according to an updated population report. This numbered around 10,000 individuals at the start of the 20th century and shows no sign of increasing or even recovering. The objective of the federal government’s “recovery plan” is therefore still far from being achieved since it aims to increase the number to more than 7,000 individuals.
These animals face several threats in their habitat, including noise pollution, disturbance and the presence of different contaminants in the St. Lawrence. For several years, researchers have observed record mortality among females and very young individuals.
Belugas are exposed to threats in the Cacouna region, including dredging work carried out at the ports of Rivière-du-Loup and Gros-Cacouna. The commercial development of the port, supported by the Legault government, could also increase noise pollution and disturbance in the sector. Not to mention the possibility of moving the ferry that currently connects Rivière-du-Loup to the Charlevoix region to Gros-Cacouna.
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