Consult the archives of other years.2004 Archives
9 December 2004 St. Lawrence: the Chinese mitten crab shows up, the American eel slides towards extinctionChinese mitten crab: a threat to the St. Lawrence ecosystemA fisherman working for the Parc Aquarium du Québec discovered a new species of crustacean in nets hauled out of the St. Lawrence at Saint-Romuald, near Lévis, on September 2. It turned out to be a Chinese mitten crab and it is not a welcome sight to local scientists. This crab is listed among the 100 most invasive species in the world. The Chinese mitten crab, which is indigenous to the Yellow Sea situated between China and Korea, has already invaded several European waterways. There is concern that because of its voracious appetite–it feeds on insects, larvae and sedimentary detritus–it will compete with other species indigenous to the St. Lawrence and that its habit of digging tunnels will accelerate shore erosion. Yves de Lafontaine, a specialist in invasive exotic species at Environment Canada’s St. Lawrence Centre, doubts that this specimen is the only one of its kind in the St. Lawrence. The saltwater portion of the St. Lawrence, a breeding ground for the Chinese mitten crab, could enable the population to grow and colonize freshwater tributaries, including the Saguenay, where it could take up residence in irrigation and drainage systems. This is the first mention of this species in the St. Lawrence. Its presence was already noted in the Great Lakes in the 1970s, however, at the time, there was no concern about an invasion due to the fact that this species of crab is not able to breed in a freshwater environment. The crab found at Saint-Romuald may have migrated from the Great Lakes or it may have been introduced by a ship from Europe or Asia. This specimen was a one and a half year old female weighing 40 grams with a 4.6 centimetre carapace. It was brought to the Parc Aquarium du Québec. Upon arrival it was placed in an isolated tank in the quarantine area where it underwent several examinations and to began its acclimatization period. The crab has been on public display since December 1, 2004. Scientists will be closely monitoring the progress of this species in the St. Lawrence. The American eel: decline cause for concernA study undertaken by Environment Canada’s St. Lawrence Centre and the Parc Aquarium du Québec, in collaboration with a St. Lawrence eel fisherman, has revealed a drastic decline in this species of between 70 and 98 percent, depending on the area. Also, nearly all eels caught in fishnets as they leave the freshwater of the St. Lawrence to breed in the ocean, are females. Researcher Yves de Lafontaine is concerned about the decline and is worried that this species, once abundant, may someday disappear from the St. Lawrence. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain this decline. First, high levels of chemical contaminants, such as DDT, PCBs and Mirex measured in the eels could be affecting their reproductive systems, diminishing their reproductive success. Also, hydro-electric dams like those situated at Beauharnois and Moses Sanders on the Ontario-New York border, could interfere with the downstream migration of the adults or the return of their offspring, which leave the ocean to fatten up in freshwater environments over several years. Climate change has also been singled out as a possible cause since major declines have been noted in other American and European populations. These changes could affect oceanic currents that transport young eels near coastal areas. Finally, over fishing is another hypothesis that is being considered. Less than 200 tonnes of eels have been fished annually in Quebec since 1999. The annual rate in the ’60s and '70s was between 300 and 600 tonnes per year. [SPSNQ, Le Devoir] I want to know more On the Société des parcs des sciences naturelles du Québec (SPSNQ) site : Press release: Un nouveau pensionnaire au Parc Aquarium du Québec (2 December 2004) (in French only) On Le Devoir site : Saint-Laurent: les anguilles sont en train de disparaître (in French only) 25 November 2004 Tonnes of oil spilled at sea off NewfoundlandThe biggest oil spill in Canadian history took place last Sunday at the Terra Nova offshore oil platform. John Downton, director of communications for Petro-Canada, says the source of the catastrophe was a mechanical failure in the machinery used to separate water from crude oil. According to the company, as much as 170 000 litres of oil were spilled. The oil slick now covers an area of 6.1 by 5.5 kilometres. The company’s emergency response teams were immediately mobilized to try to clean up the mess, however, poor weather conditions, strong winds and waves nearly five metres in height have complicated their efforts. Aerial, on-water and satellite tracking buoys are being used to track the oil slick. On November 23, it was located 40 km south-south-east of the Terra Nova drilling site. According to Petro-Canada, three oiled seabirds have been recovered and brought back to shore to be treated by Petro-Canada’s Oiled Seabird Cleaning Centre in St. John’s, while ships and helicopters continue their search for other animals that may have been affected by the oil. Terra Nova is situated 350 kilometres off St. John’s, Newfoundland. This drilling site–in operation since 2002–is the second largest of its kind in Canada with reserves estimated at 370 million barrels. Petro-Canada owns 34 percent of shares in the site. With reserves estimated at 750 million barrels, Hibernia is the largest drilling site off the coast of Newfoundland and is situated in the same area. It has been in operation since 1997. Several sites in Quebec have been explored for their oil and gas potential in recent decades. In all, over 350 sites have been drilled in the St. Lawrence Lowlands and in the eastern Gaspé Peninsula basins. Interest in this type of activity has been renewed and several exploration permits have been issued for the northern and the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence since 1990, including sites near the Magdalen Islands. To date, three major deposits have been identified in Quebec: Saint-Flavien, approximately 50 kilometres east of Québec City, Pointe-du-Lac, west of Trois-Rivières and Galt, near Gaspé. In 2002, Hydro-Québec announced its oil and gas exploration plan for the Gulf and Estuary of the St. Lawrence. One of the sites that may soon undergo exploratory drilling by Hydro-Québec is in the Old Harry area, situated east of the Magdalen Islands on the Quebec-Newfoundland border. The environmental impacts associated with oil production have environmental groups, the scientific community and fisheries and tourism industries worried. Every phase of oil and gas activity–from seismic surveying to oil production–poses risks for marine and coastal environments. The Terra Nova catastrophe clearly demonstrates these risks, which would have an even greater impact in the partially enclosed environment of the St. Lawrence Gulf and Estuary. This area includes critical habitat for numerous threatened species and marine resources that are of primary importance for the populations of five Canadian provinces. [CBC, Petro-Canada, MRNFP] This just in (30 November 2004)Hundreds of seabirds coated in oil, dead or on the verge of dying, have floated onto Newfoundland shores. Yet, this oil does not come from Terra Nova; it originated in the bilges of certain oil tankers. Apparently, some ships took advantage of the Terra Nova spill to mask their illegal activity of dumping bilge oil at sea, instead of in port, in order to cut costs. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) considers Canadian surveillance of this type of activity to be quite sporadic and fines to be too light. The highest-ever fine for this offence in Canada was $125 000. Canadian legislators are debating a bill this week for stiffer penalties for the crews of ships who deliberately dispose of their oil at sea. I want to know more On CBC News site : Offshore oil spill 4 times bigger than thought On Petro-Canada site : Petro-Canada Updates Spill Incident at Terra Nova (23 November 2004) Petro-Canada Updates Spill Incident at Terra Nova (22 November 2004) Petro-Canada Managing Spill Incident at Terra Nova On ministère des Ressources naturelles faune et parcs du Québec site : Gas and oil exploration in Quebec On International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) site : Oiled birds wash up on Newfoundland beaches On Whales online : What's happening? Oil and gas exploration in the St. Lawrence 11 November 2004 Part of the Great Lakes designated UNESCO Biosphere ReserveCanada’s thirteenth UNESCO World Network Biosphere Reserve designation was announced on October 29, 2004. It consists of the littoral region of Georgian Bay in Ontario. This reserve includes the eastern part of Lake Huron, which is one of the five Great Lakes and the headwaters of the St. Lawrence River. It was recognized by the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) International Coordinating Committee that this reserve includes “one of the largest fresh water archipelagos in the world” and that it “represents a common vision of sustainable development and environmental and cultural conservation”. Each Biosphere Reserve must fulfil three main functions: it must contribute to the conservation of the biodiversity of the area, the sustainable development of human and economic activities and the logistics of research, management and education activities. The Georgian Bay Littoral Biosphere Reserve encompasses 3 470 km2 and incorporates Georgian Bay Islands National Park, three provincial parks and two provincial nature reserves. The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, expressed his satisfaction and congratulated local communities and organizations that contributed to this designation. Since the early 1970s, 459 Biosphere Reserves have been designated in 97 countries. The first Canadian Biosphere Reserve to be designated was Mount Saint Hilaire, Quebec, in 1978. The two other Biosphere Reserves in Quebec include the Charlevoix Region (1988) and Lac Saint-Pierre (2000). [UNESCO, Government of Canada] I want to know more On UNESCO site 19 new Biosphere Reserves added to UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Network On Government of Canada site Minister Dion welcomes the designation of Canada’s 13th biosphere reserve On Whales online : Lac Saint-Pierre: new member of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (7 December 2000) 28 October 2004 Public consultations on the creation of an MPA in the St. Lawrence EstuaryOn October 19, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced that it will be holding public consultations for the creation of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the St. Lawrence Estuary. Consultations will be held in Rimouski from October 28 to November 18, in La Malbaie on November 3 and 4, in Rivière-du-Loup from November 8 to 10, in Forestville from November 22 to 24 and in Québec City from November 30 to December 2. Various groups and stakeholders have been invited to participate in the consultations. Discussions are open to the public, which has been invited to participate in the consultation by submitting comments to DFO by December 31, 2004 at the latest. The main purpose of the creation of a Marine Protected Area in this portion of the St. Lawrence is to "… ensure the long-term conservation and protection of marine mammals that live year-round in the St. Lawrence Estuary or only at certain times of year and of their habitats and food resources". In 1998, when the St. Lawrence Estuary was first selected as a site of interest for the creation of an MPA, DFO had already recognized the ecological importance of this zone and the increasing human pressures on it. Since this designation, several workshops–made up of DFO administrators, scientists and invited specialists–have taken place to identify and evaluate the threats that weigh on marine mammals that use this zone and to elaborate measures to reduce these threats. Among the main threats identified are ship strikes, exposure to noise, disturbance associated to human activities, chemical pollution and accidental entanglement in fishing gear. The study zone for the creation of the MPA corresponds to the summer range of the St. Lawrence beluga whale, major blue whale feeding grounds and the great majority of sites used by harbour seal populations. The beluga whale is a resident species classified as threatened, the blue whale is a migratory species classified as endangered and the harbour seal is a resident species judged to be fragile. The St. Lawrence Estuary MPA will cover an area from Baie-Saint-Paul, in the Charlevoix region, to Betsiamites on the North Shore, and from Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies to Métis-sur-Mer on the South Shore. It will not include the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, however management measures aimed at harmonizing conservation actions in the MPA with those of the Marine Park will be proposed. The purpose of public consultations is to gather the views of representatives of aboriginal communities, field managers, the public and various private sector groups "…on the issues related to the survival of marine mammals and the management measures proposed for their protection". According to DFO, the MPA is intended to protect marine mammals in the Estuary over the long term while accommodating sustainable economic activities. [DFO] I want to know more On Fisheries and Oceans Canada site : St. Lawrence Estuary: Marine Protected Area Project On Whales online : 21 October 2004 An action plan to protect the harbour sealA group composed of 11 non-profit organizations and government institutions presented the St. Lawrence Estuary Harbour Seal Action Plan at Rivière-du-Loup on October 20. The harbour seal and the beluga whale are the only marine mammals to reside year round in the St. Lawrence. Yet, while the beluga whale has been designated "threatened" by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), the harbour seal has not yet been granted status due to insufficient information concerning its biology. Despite this, member organizations of the St. Lawrence Estuary Harbour Seal Concertation Committee prefer not to wait before putting certain protection measures in place. The reason for this is that several Fisheries and Oceans Canada studies have shown that the harbour seals of the St. Lawrence Estuary are in trouble. The Committee is an initiative of the Réseau d’observation de mammifères marins (ROMM or Marine Mammal Observation Network in English). It is composed of the principal St. Lawrence Estuary stakeholders concerned by the status of the harbour seal and directly involved in its protection and raising public awareness. Their main preoccupations are the lack of knowledge about this population, bycatch, intentional hunting, disturbance, ship strikes and habitat degradation. The Action Plan presents various recommendations to focus scientific research and public awareness efforts. One of the strategies proposed is to maintain and consolidate ties between Committee member organizations in order to favour the exchanges of information and the harmonization of conservation efforts. In parallel to the Action Plan, ROMM has begun taking steps to obtain federal and provincial protection status for the St. Lawrence Estuary harbour seal. Once status is obtained, funding of the measures recommended by the Committee will be easier to obtain. [ROMM] I want to know more The ROMM web site (in French only) St. Lawrence Estuary Harbour Seal Action Plan (In French only, download the PDF version)23 September 2004 The St. Lawrence welcomes the biggest giant of them all:the Queen Mary 2 arrives for its "Splendours of the Fall" cruiseThe Queen Mary 2 in Québec City The Queen Mary 2, largest ocean liner in the world, was not able to dock as planned in Sydney, Nova Scotia nor in Corner Brook, Newfoundland due to high waves and violent winds. Its passage through the St. Lawrence Estuary and River was therefore moved up by one full day and the province’s capital city became the first Canadian city to welcome the prestigious ship. At precisely 9:00 a.m. two pilots, including Corporation des pilotes du Bas Saint-Laurent president Simon Pelletier, climbed aboard the long awaited ocean liner off Les Escoumins. They were accompanied by several media representatives and a GREMM (Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammal) naturalist. Everyone was there to greet the ship from visitors, residents and school buses along the shore to numerous small vessels on the water and even a floatplane in the air. Marine mammals abounded. Had they also got word of the ship’s arrival? After having sounded its whistle–one of the two whistles onboard is from the original Queen Mary, christened in 1934–the Queen Mary 2 accelerated back up to cruising speed, moving in a sober and dignified manner up the Estuary, hiding the South Shore in the distance as it passed. The Queen Mary 2 docked at around 6:00 p.m. at the Québec City port where it was greeted by thousands of people. The ship will not be sailing further upstream due to the fact the bridge at Trois-Rivières and the bridges at Montreal or not high enough for it to pass. A Cunard ocean liner The Queen Mary 2 was built in France at the Saint-Nazaire ship yards where 15 people were killed when a gangway gave way on the construction site. Construction lasted two years and cost 800 million dollars. The ship belongs to the English firm Cunard Line, which took possession on December 26, 2003. The vessel was christened by Her Majesty the Queen of England during an historic ceremony that took place on January 4, 2004. Her port of registry is Southampton, Great Britain. Samuel Cunard was a well-known businessman from Halifax, Nova Scotia who founded the British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company–later renamed the Cunard Line–with the support of four other businessmen. Thus, the Queen Mary 2 is the latest in a long line of luxury ocean liners of the Cunard Line. A giant of the sea The Queen Mary 2 is the biggest (151 400 t), longest (345 m), tallest (72 m), largest (41 m) and most expensive ocean liner of all time. It can reach a cruising speed of 30 knots. The 2 620 passengers aboard during the cruise into Quebec waters–of a total capacity of 2 700–can take advantage of a ballroom, 10 restaurants, several amphitheatres, five swimming pools and a spa, as well as the only floating planetarium in the world. There are 1 253 crew aboard, one crew member for every couple. Innovative navigational technology gives this giant remarkable manoeuvrability for its size. It will be able to turn a full 180° in the narrow port at Québec City. The ocean liner will cross the Atlantic 14 times in 2004 and will navigate the fjords of Norway, the Mediterranean Sea and the coasts of New England and Canada. The gigantic ship will be back in the Estuary this October 4 and should return to Québec City in 2005. May this magnificent Queen of the seas long ply the waters of the St. Lawrence. [Cunard, Radio-Canada] I want to know more 9 September 2004 Public consultation on water management of Great Lakes basinOn September 14 and 16 residents of the province of Quebec will be called upon to give their opinion in Montreal and Trois-Rivières concerning Annex 2001 of the Great Lakes Charter. The Charter is to be renegotiated in 2005. This pact, signed in 2001 by the governors of U.S. states that border the Great Lakes and the premiers of Ontario and Quebec, outlines conditions for the authorization of projects of massive use of Great Lakes water. Quebec’s Environment Minister, Mr. Thomas Mulcair, hopes that citizens of the province will turn out in great numbers to share their opinions on this issue. In an interview granted to the newspaper Le Devoir, Mr. Mulcair declared that there is increasing pressure from drought-stricken southern and western states to divert water from the Great Lakes. For now, states bordering the Great Lakes hold the power to veto any decision taken by the U.S. Congress concerning the use of Great Lakes water. The Water Resources Development Act (WARDA), which is a federal law, gives them this right along with the ability to govern export propositions for the exploitation and diversion of Great Lakes water. Yet, the U.S. Congress–where southern and western states hold a growing influence–may soon revise this law. The Great Lakes contain 20 percent of all fresh water in the world. Only one percent of this water is renewed annually. The pact in its present form holds that all diverted water must be returned to the Great Lakes or the St. Lawrence River and that all removal must be accompanied by water and Great Lakes basin natural resource conservation measures. It is obvious that projects for the diversion towards southern and western states do not respect the conditions of the pact signed in 2001. Along with the public consultations organized in Montreal and Trois-Rivières, several other sessions are planned for Ontario and bordering states that include Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Once the public consultations are completed, a report will be sent to a Council of Governors water work group. Then, negotiations between states and provinces will begin. [Le Devoir, Whales Online] I want to know more On the Quebec Minister of the Environment site (in French only): Consultation publique : entente sur les ressources durables en eaux du bassin des Grands Lacs On Whales Online site: Must we export Great Lakes water? (9 August 2001) Perrier wants to bottle Great Lakes water (5 July 2001) Annex 2001 signed to protect Great Lakes water (21 June 2001) Environmental groups concerned about Great Lakes water management (8 March 2001) Will Great Lakes water soon be better protected? (22 February 2001) 19 August 2004 A new contaminant on the rise in the St. Lawrence beluga whalesA new study on the contamination of the St. Lawrence beluga whales has just been published in the magazine Environmental Science and Technology. This study, which was produced at the Maurice Lamontagne Institute and the Université du Québec à Rimouski by Michel Lebeuf, Bruno Gouteux, Lena Measures and Steve Trottier, has revealed that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are on the rise in beluga whales. PBDEs are relatively new products in North America that have been in use here since the 1980s. They replaced other toxic fireproofing products, such as PCBs, that are now banned in Canada. They are used in a wide range of products such as computers, furniture, automobiles and so forth. They are introduced into the environment as much during production, use and recycling as they are through household waste, landfill sites and incineration sites. For this study, the fatty tissue of 54 dead belugas–28 females and 26 males found beached along the shores of the St. Lawrence between 1988 and 1999–was analyzed. Average concentrations of PBDEs measured were between 430 and 540 nanograms per gram of body weight (ng/g). As with several other contaminants that have already been examined, these concentrations are much higher–10 to 25 times higher–than concentrations measured in beluga whales from the Arctic. This difference is attributable to the St. Lawrence beluga whale’s habitat, which is situated near a highly industrialized area. For the time being these levels are inferior to levels measured in other marine mammals, including harbour porpoises from England and Wales, as well as the harbour seals of San Francisco Bay, which present concentration levels in the order of 2500 ng/g and 5000 ng/g respectively. As with the beluga whale, these other marine mammals live near industrialized areas. However, researchers fear that St. Lawrence beluga whales will one day attain the summit on the PDBE contamination scale. In fact, their accumulation rate is very high; their PDBE concentrations are rising exponentially, doubling every three years. Moreover, the Canadian demand for these products is growing and to date there is no regulation or control on their use in North America. Finally, other studies have demonstrated that PBDEs are on the rise elsewhere in Canada, such as in human milk and in fish. As with other contaminants detected in the St. Lawrence beluga whales, PBDEs could hinder the recovery of this threatened population. It has been shown by a limited number of studies that these products may cause hormonal and neurological distress and possibly even cancer. [Environmental Science and Technology] I want to know more Levels and temporal trends (1988-1999) of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada Download pdf documentOn Whales Online site: 12 August 2004 Entangled whale in the Charlevoix areaA minke whale trailing a fishnet in its wake has been spotted on several occasions off Saint-Siméon in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park since last Monday, August 9. The last time it was reported–on Wednesday, August 11 by Frédéric Thibault of Croisières Charlevoix–it was swimming normally and diving at regular intervals for periods of up to four minutes at a time, which is typical behaviour for this species. Photographs sent in by Captain Thibault show a gillnet attached to the whale’s rostrum covering part of its head. Apart from the fatigue and scars that this type of burden inevitably incurs, there is concern that the net may be caught in the whale’s mouth, preventing it from feeding normally. The Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network has decided to monitor the situation in an attempt to assist this minke whale. Teams from the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park and GREMM (Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals) conducted an initial reconnaissance outing on August 9. Unfortunately they were not able to locate the whale in question. As long as it is vigorous, any intervention may prove risky for both the whale and potential rescuers. A decision was made to monitor developments and wait for signs of obvious fatigue before attempting a rescue. The minke whale is a baleen whale measuring on average 7 m and weighing approximately 7 t. This coastal species frequents the St. Lawrence from spring to late autumn. The ORES Coastal Studies Centre based in Les Bergeronnes has determined that many of the minke whales that visit the Estuary are loyal to specific feeding territories that can cover several square kilometres. Numerous cases of minke whales caught in fishing gear are documented in the St. Lawrence every summer. Fisheries officers from Sept-Îles associated with the Emergency Response Network succeeded in freeing a minke whale trapped by a line attached to a weight earlier this summer. The whale was not able to move freely and was barely able to come to the surface to breathe. This type of incident is not nearly as complicated for rescuers as the one mentioned above. Freeing trapped whales is one of the main priorities of the Network. Every successful rescue saves an animal in trouble, as well as helping a fisherman recover fishing gear. A free-swimming whale entangled in fishing gear–such as the minke whale in the Marine Park–is much more difficult to deal with. The Network requests that everyone working on the water be on the lookout for, and avoid approaching, this minke whale. Please report any sightings by dialling 1-877-722-5346. The MICS (Mingan Island Cetacean Study) team, which is trained in whale disentanglement, is ready to intervene if the situation allows. [Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network] 22 July 2004 The Greenland sharkA live shark came ashore 300 m west of Saint-Gilles Point near Baie-Comeau on July 17. It turned out to be a Greenland shark. It died July 18. A second carcass was found on July 21 in Anglais Bay, near Baie-Comeau. The Greenland Shark and Elasmobranch Education and Research Group (GEERG) took samples from the carcasses for future analysis. These observations are but the tip of the iceberg; several Greenland sharks swim the waters in this area. In June 2003, recreational divers encountered Greenland sharks while diving near Baie-Comeau. Specialists from GEERG went to the area to investigate. They dove with and filmed at least four Greenland sharks, three to four metres in length. These were the first video images of this species of shark in the St. Lawrence. Before this encounter, the presence of Greenland sharks in the St. Lawrence and the Saguenay rivers had been mainly documented through commercial and sport fishing. This discovery motivated GEERG to undertake a new project in 2004 in collaboration with Halifax’s Dalhousie University and the Musée du fjord. GEERG researchers and observers have dived several times with sharks in the area around Baie-Comeau since the end of June. They racked up a total of twenty encounters between July 15 and 18. The maximum number of sharks encountered at any given time was four, although the total number is hard to evaluate. Sightings took place in Saint-Pancrace Bay, Anglais Bay and Garde-feu Bay. The Greenland shark is carnivorous, but does not attack humans. However, GEERG recommends that all divers conduct themselves with respect and caution; a code of ethics is available on their Web site ( www.geerg.ca). The presence of these sharks near Baie-Comeau appears to be a recent event. Yet, on consulting archives, quite a few sporadic sightings have been mentioned for this area. Could this be a seasonal feeding ground, mating ground or birthing ground? GEERG members will attempt to install emitters on two sharks in the next few days from inside a shark cage in order to follow their movements. They hope to learn more on this species and its visits to the St. Lawrence and the Saguenay rivers. I want to know more GEERG press release (French only)GEERG Web site: On Whales Online site: Special Sighting: Greenland Sharks in Baie-Comeau! (12 June 2003) 8 July 2004 The Sedna IV on a mission in the St. LawrenceThe Sedna IV left Montreal’s Old Port on June 29 on a mission to the St. Lawrence. This three-masted, blue and white, 51-metre sailboat will navigate the St. Lawrence for two months in search of memorable footage. The mission’s main goal is cinematographic in nature. The film production companies "Thalie" and "Les productions Vic Pelletier" have joined forces to produce a collection of documentaries dealing with the St. Lawrence entitled "Vu du large". The six one-hour documentaries will emphasize the special relationship between the St. Lawrence and its inhabitants and will be broadcast on the Réseau de l’information (RDI) and Radio-Canada in 2005. Subjects as diverse as the state of the St. Lawrence, scientific research, climate change, navigation, wetlands and food resources will be presented. Forty local contributors–including writers, painters, poets, scientists, fishermen and pilots–will participate in the filming of "Vu du large", conveying their own vision of the subject. Built in 1957, the Sedna IV was once a German trawler designed for fishing in northern seas. In 1992, it was entirely refitted by a rich German who transformed it into a sailboat. In 2001, cinematographer Jean Lemire and eight other stakeholders acquired the sailboat and transformed it into an ocean-going film studio. Sedna is the name of a sea goddess from Inuit mythology. In the spring of 2002, the crew of the Sedna IV undertook an ambitious mission to cross the Arctic Ocean through the legendary Northwest Passage without the assistance of an icebreaker. The crew returned from the six-month voyage with thousands of photographs, hundreds of hours of footage and data related to global warming. The mission also produced five documentaries on the impacts of climate change on the Arctic. These were broadcast on CBC, Télé-Québec, France 2 and France 5. After the Arctic mission, the crew circumnavigated North America and undertook an expedition to Iceland and Greenland in 2003. Jean Lemire and his colleagues plan on setting sail for a 51-week mission to Antarctica in 2005. During its mission to the St. Lawrence, the Sedna IV will stop in several ports in Quebec, presenting the general public with an ideal opportunity to admire this superb vessel. The ship will be in Tadoussac on July 8, 9 and 10, in Chicoutimi on July 11, in Les Escoumins on July 12 and 13, in Rimouski on July 14, 15, 16 and 17, in Matane on July 18, in Rivière-au-Renard on July 19 and 20, in Percé on July 21, 22, 23 and 24, in Carleton on July 25, 26, 27 and 28 and in Cap-aux-Meules in the Magdalen Islands on July 30 and 31 and on August 1. [NFB, CNW] I want to know more On ONF site: On CNW Telbec site: Vu du large, une collection documentaire sur le fleuve Saint-Laurent (in French only) 24 June 2004 Quebec Environment Minister in favour of bulk water exportsDuring a conference organized by the Centre international Unisféra de Montréal, Quebec Environment Minister Thomas Mulcair declared that he was in favour of reviving the debate over bulk water exports from Quebec. According to Mr. Mulcair, it is time to begin thinking of Quebec’s economic interests in matters related to water export. A debate and a commission of enquiry took place five years ago concerning this subject. After reviewing some 400 reports, the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE) concluded that bulk water exports should not take place. The Quebec National Assembly adopted a law in 2001 banning bulk water export by truck, train, ship or pipeline. Thus, water could not be considered as merchandise according to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Quebec would not be obliged to share this resource with foreign interests. Now, Minister Mulcair is convinced that this law deprives Quebec of millions of dollars in revenue: "…as long as we lose nothing environmentally, if I can bring in billions of dollars with water, without affecting aquatic ecosystems, why should I deprive us–by following a dogma–of the possibility of major economic activity?" declared the minister. He also maintained that concerns about NAFTA are unfounded and that bulk water exports would create jobs in the outlying regions of the province. Furthermore, he added that he would never place Quebec in a position where the resource would be threatened. A large portion of the population, including environmental groups and the opposition party, are opposed to this statement. Concern remains that massive water withdrawals could reduce the provinces ability to counter disruptions such as those resulting from climate change, affect navigation, render certain municipal water supplies inoperative and, finally, considerably modify aquatic and waterside ecosystems. [Le Devoir, Whales Online] I want to know more On Le Devoir site: Mulcair rouvre la porte aux exportations d’eau (in French only) On Whales Online: The water management commission of Quebec: an audacious report (15 May 2000) Quebec to adopt legislation to ban bulk water export (29 November 2001) 10 June 2004 St. Lawrence Seaway Study: widening is not an optionDuring consultations with stakeholders concerning the new Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Study (GLSLS Study) organized by the St. Lawrence Economic Development Council (SODES) in Montreal on June 3, U.S. and Canadian authorities have confirmed that the present study does not include options for the widening or dragging of the Seaway. This point had remained vague up until now and environmental groups were not able to obtain a clear response as to whether or not it was being considered. Concerns arose in February 2003 following a report published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). In the summer of 1999 the USACE had been given a mandate by the United States government to "study the feasibility of modifying structures related to navigation in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River as a means of increasing the efficiency of navigation in this area". In their report, the USACE presented seven alternatives including one proposal to widen locks and deepen the St. Lawrence Seaway. These changes would allow larger ships to travel as far as the Great Lakes. The report also brought up the fact that this type of project would not be without consequences for the environment including habitat destruction and the introduction of alien species. However, its state, maritime shipping would be more efficient, consuming less fuel than truck transport. In October 2003, Canada’s Minister of Transport, Mr. David Colenette, announced that Canada would participate in the GLSLS Study and that his Ministry would invest $500 000 in the project. The federal government’s position as to an eventual widening of the Seaway remained vague despite questions from journalists and concerned environmental groups. Finally, eight months later, authorities have announced that they are not considering dragging and widening of locks and the fluvial channel. According to Wayne Schloop, spokesman for the USACE, the 2003 report did not sufficiently take into account environmental impacts and the opinions of citizens, environmental groups and Canada. The present study will therefore focus on improvements to the Seaway and ways of optimizing navigation by integrating different modes of transportation. According to the USACE, only 15 percent of the world’s fleet (in terms of mass) are able to use the Seaway in its present state. Interested groups have until the beginning of September to put forward their opinions and concerns pertaining to this question by sending briefs to SODES. [Le Devoir, SSL] I want to know more On GLSLS Study site: On Whales Online: Widening the Seaway: Canada Agrees to Side with the United States 27 May 2004 Species at Risk Act: public consultations for addition of the blue whaleFrom May 21 to June 14, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will be seeking public opinion on the addition of the blue whale (Atlantic population) to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk. Due to the fact that the Atlantic population of blue whales is limited to less than 250 mature animals, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) granted this population the status of "endangered" in 2002 . With the adoption of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), also in 2002, DFO is now obliged to examine this designation and submit its recommendations to the Governor in Council for the addition of this population to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk. To formulate its recommendations, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans will consider the biological situation of the population–presented in the COSEWIC report–as well as the social and economic implications, positive or negative, of its eventual addition to the List. In order to evaluate the importance of these impacts DFO is consulting Canadians to better understand their positions and preoccupations. Measures to protect and favour population recovery would likely be adopted with addition of the blue whale to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk. This could have consequences on various activities. With the adoption of these measures, the whale-watching industry could be limited in its ability to approach blue whales, shipping traffic could be deviated and oil and gas exploration and production could be limited or even banned in certain areas. Information and the questionnaire are available on the SARA Public Registry Website if you wish to forward your comments to DFO. [List of Wildlife Species at Risk] I want to know more On Government of Canada site: Species at Risk Public Registry On Whales Online: A new status for the blue whale: endangered (9 May 2002) 20 May 2004 New status for the St. Lawrence beluga whaleThe Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) evaluated the situation of 36 plant and animal species during its most recent meeting. Among these were the seven populations of beluga whales in Canada, including the St. Lawrence population. COSEWIC members grant a specific status to each species evaluated after studying the situation report prepared by an expert. During this meeting the St. Lawrence beluga whale’s status changed from that of "endangered" to "threatened". However, it should be noted that neither new data nor an improvement in the situation and condition of the St. Lawrence beluga whale are the responsible for this new designation. COSEWIC recognizes that the St. Lawrence beluga whale population was greatly reduced through hunting, that heavy contamination also contributed to the decline of the population and that their habitat is still threatened by contaminants, ship traffic and industrialisation. It also recognizes that "… aerial surveys carried out since 1979 appear to indicate that the decline has come to a halt, however they do not show clear proof of a major increase in numbers." So, why the change of status? In 2003 COSEWIC adopted new quantitative classification criteria in order to harmonize them with those of other organizations such as the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Thus, the St. Lawrence beluga whale status was adjusted accordingly. Population size–approximately 1000 animals–is the most likely justification for the "threatened" designation. The St. Lawrence beluga whale will now be presented to the Canadian government for an evaluation, which will be used for their designation as a species at risk. This designation will grant legal protection that will include conservation measures. The same level of protection is accorded to both threatened and endangered species. For example, within the limits of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park boat owners must maintain a minimum distance of 400 m between themselves and endangered or threatened animals. As for the other six Canadian beluga whale populations, those of Eastern Hudson Bay and of Ungava Bay have been designated as "endangered", that of Cumberland Bay as "threatened", those of western Hudson Bay, of the eastern High Arctic and of Baffin Bay as "of special concern" and finally that of the eastern Beaufort Sea as "not at risk". [COSEWIC] I want to know more On COSEWIC site: On Whales Online: The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada The Species at risk Act of Canada Research Project: How many belugas are there? 6 May 2004 Partial reopening of the Gulf of St. Lawrence cod fisheryOn May 4, Fisheries and Oceans Canada Minister Geoff Regan announced a partial opening of the cod fishery in the northern and southern Gulf of St. Lawrence fishing areas. Total Allowable Catches (TACs) of 3500 and 3000 tonnes will be allocated for the northern and southern Gulf respectively. TAC levels will also include by-catch in other fisheries along with planned scientific sentinel and survey removals. The re-opening is consistent with recommendations of the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC). This independent arms-length advisory group concluded that it would be advantageous to partially re-open the Gulf of St. Lawrence cod fishery under assurances of shared resource stewardship. This means that the fishing industry will have to participate in resource management decision making and the development of Conservation Harvest plan, as well as committing itself to rigorously respecting established catch limits. The Canadian government announced a second moratorium on cod fishing almost one year ago to the day. Some TAC levels have been allocated since the announcement of the first moratorium in 1992. For example, a TAC of 20 000 tonnes was allocated for the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the east coast of Newfoundland and south coast of Labrador in 2000. By comparison, cod fish landings were as high as two million tonnes in the 1960s. Then in 2003 the cod fishery was once again shut down. Despite the partial re-opening of the Gulf cod fishery for the 2004-2005 season, TAC levels for Newfoundland and Labrador will remain at zero. This population–classified as endangered by COSEWIC–has suffered a 97 percent decline over the past 30 years. As for northern and southern Gulf of St. Lawrence populations, they have been classified as endangered and of special concern respectively. However, Atlantic Canada cod populations were not among the 79 endangered species that were presented to the Governor in Council by the Minister of the Environment last April. According to the Minister, the protection of Atlantic cod under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) would have major repercussions on the fisheries, possibly leading to long-term closing of the cod fishery and the fisheries of other species. Along with the northern bottlenose whale and the harbour porpoise, Canada’s Atlantic cod will undergo an extended listing process. [Fisheries and Oceans Canada] I want to know more On Fisheries and Oceans Canada site: Regan announces decisions on Gulf of St. Lawrence cod for 2004-2005 fishing season A recent account of Canada’s Atlantic cod fishery On Whales Online: New Closures in the Cod Fishery (1st May 2003) New Status for Humpback Whales and Harbour Porpoises in the Western North Atlantic (8 May 2003) 29 April 2004 Inclusion of the northern bottlenose whale and the harbour porpoise on the SARA legal list of endangered species has been postponedOn April 23, Minister of the Environment Mr. David Anderson presented 79 of the 91 species assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as being at risk to the Governor in Council. The purpose of this process is to include these species on the legal list of species at risk in Canada. Two of the 12 species that were not presented are cetaceans from Atlantic Canada; namely the harbour porpoise and the Scotian Shelf northern bottlenose whale population. These 12 species will undergo an extended consultation period since, according to the Minister, "The listing of these species could have significant and widespread impacts on the activities of Aboriginal peoples, commercial and recreational fishers, farmers and Canadians at large." These people must therefore be informed of the probable repercussions of the inclusion of these species on legal list of species at risk so that they may express their opinions to the Canadian government. In 2002, the Scotian Shelf population of northern bottlenose whales was granted the most troubling status by COSEWIC: that of "endangered". It is estimated that there are only 130 whales left in this population and that they are isolated from northern bottlenose whales of the Labrador Coast. According to the Minister, "Listing the northern bottlenose whale as endangered could have impacts on a wide range of activities on the Scotian Shelf, including oil and gas exploration and development, shipping, and fishing…". The Minister also stated that threats that weigh on whales are not very well understood and the government requires more time to consult stakeholders. As for the harbour porpoise, which has been on the list of species of special concern since 2003, the Minister considers that the legal listing of this species could have major repercussions on fishing activities as entanglement in fishing gear represents the main threat for this species. Inclusion of a species on the Species at Risk Act (SARA) legal list confers a high level of protection for that species and its habitat. Conservation strategies identified in recovery or management plans for these species can interfere with certain economic activities in Canada. As of now, the Canadian government has 9 months to decide whether or not to include the species presented by Minister Anderson on the legal list of species at risk. [Government of Canada] I want to know more On the Government of Canada site: Minister Anderson Presents Species at Risk Scientific Assessments to Governor in Council Extended Listing Process for 12 Aquatic Species, The Species at Risk Act (SARA) On Whales Online: 8 April 2004 Shellfish harvesting: new regulationsEaster is a busy time for shellfish harvesting. Strong April tides are particularly favourable to this type of activity and the shores become ice free. New regulations were introduced on October 8, 2003 for recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting in all sectors of Quebec. The targeted species are the soft-shell clam, the blue mussel, the Atlantic surf clam, the American oyster and the Atlantic razor clam. Shellfish harvesting has undergone rapid expansion in recent years. The absence of regulations could lead to overexploitation and to the eventual endangerment of this traditional riverside activity, which is also a booming industry. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has thus decided to improve the regulatory framework of recreational and commercial harvesting. Recreational harvesters gather shellfish for pleasure and for personal consumption. They do not require a licence, but must respect the daily limit and gather shellfish manually. Commercial harvesters are allowed to gather larger quantities of shellfish and sell them, but they must have a licence and respect certain conditions. According to the new measures, DFO may also modify quotas and minimal legal sizes of various species, and introduce close times in certain areas. It should be noted that the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program remains in effect. This program provides for the opening and closing of shellfish harvesting areas depending on water and shellfish quality. [Fisheries and Oceans Canada] I want to know more Fisheries and Oceans Canada pamphlet entitled "For shellfish
harvesting in Quebec, New Rules"
25 March 2004 National Marine Conservation Area: Parks Canada considers the Magdalen IslandsThe government of Canada is presently studying the possibility of establishing a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in the Magdalen Islands Archipelago. Parks Canada–the agency responsible for creating and managing NMCAs–announced certain details concerning the potential NMCA in a press conference held at Cap-aux-Meules last March 18. The area being studied represents 5 000 km2 around the Magdalen Islands Archipelago to a maximum depth of 50 m. The NMCA may also include wetlands, islands and other coastal zones, as well as the marine environment. The purpose of the creation of this NMCA would be to ensure the protection and viable use of this marine ecosystem along with the preservation of an exceptional piece of Canada's marine heritage. Given the complexity of the marine environment, the type of feasibility study required to establish NMCAs usually takes two to three years to complete. Would the eventual creation of this NMCA prevent imminent oil and gas exploration and production activities slated for the Magdalen Islands sector? These types of activities are obviously incompatible with the creation of NMCAs, however the precise boundaries of the protected area have yet been to be determined. Apparently Old Harry–an area situated 80 km from the coast, where petroleum production is set to take place–will not be included in the zone. There are presently two NMCAs in Canada: the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park in Quebec and Fathom Five National Marine Park in Georgian Bay, Ontario. The government of Canada intends to create five new NMCAs by 2008. Eventually there will be one NMCA for each of the 29 marine regions identified in the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic oceans as well as in the Great Lakes. The Magdalen Islands Archipelago NMCA will represent the Magdalen Shallows marine region. [Parks Canada] I want to know more On Parks Canada site: On Whales Online: 11 March 2004 The breaking of the ice in the Saguenay puts an end to ice-fishing activitiesThe Canadian Coast Guard will begin icebreaking operations in the Saguenay Fjord in the coming days. Operations will take place between L'Anse Saint-Jean and Saint-Basile-de-Tableau starting on March 13 and between Saint-Basile-de-Tableau, La Baie and Saint-Fulgence starting on March 16. The purpose of this annual operation is to dislodge ice on the Saguenay and at the mouths of certain tributaries in order to prevent ice jams and flooding that can result from the spring break-up. Icebreaking in the Saguenay will put an end to ice-fishing activities. Last year 1664 ice-fishing shacks were set up on the Saguenay, nearly 1400 of them in Ha! Ha! Bay. Over the course of the winter of 2002-2003, 1.6 million rainbow smelt, 9000 cod (Atlantic cod and Greenland cod), 60 000 redfish and 500 Greenland halibut were pulled through the ice. In 2004, provincial regulations authorized the possession of 120 rainbow smelt and 15 brook trout per fisherman. Groundfish catches fall under federal regulations. Fishermen are allowed a maximum of five groundfish (Atlantic cod, Greenland cod, redfish and Greenland halibut). The release of Atlantic halibut is obligatory. The Saguenay is the only place in Quebec where groundfish sportfishing is permitted. The local tradition of ice fishing is a major attraction for winter tourists to the Saguenay region. It has also attracted the attention of researchers. An ice-fishing monitoring programme was initiated in 1995. Partners in this programme, which include the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park (SSLMP) and the Saguenay ZIP Committee, are attempting to understand catch fluctuations and learn more about targeted fish populations. Researchers have noted a drop in catches of groundfish, particularly cod (Atlantic cod and Greenland cod), since monitoring began in 1995. Catches of smelt have remained relatively constant. This year the SSLMP and its partners are especially interested in Atlantic cod and Greenland halibut. Thanks to the voluntary collaboration of fishermen, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the situation of these species, which are becoming increasingly rare in the Saguenay. [DFO, Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, Saguenay ZIP] I want to know more On Fisheries and Oceans Canada site:
Carnet du pêcheur et guide des bonnes pratiques :
Pêche blanche sur le fjord du Saguenay. (Hiver 2004) (in French
only)
26 February 2004 IMO adopts a new convention to prevent the introduction of invasive species through ballast waterThe International Maritime Organization (IMO) finally adopted a new international convention on ballast water during an international conference held in London from February 9 to 13. This convention aims to prevent, minimize and eventually eliminate the introduction of invasive species through ship ballast water. The International Joint Commission (IJC)–a binational organization mandated to prevent and resolve disputes between the U.S. and Canada regarding the conservation and management of transboundary water resources–applauds this news and commends Canadian and American representatives for their many years of work and effort concerning this issue. A few days before the IMO conference, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) joined the IJC in recommending the adoption of a tougher ballast water international convention to the 160 member countries. The IJC believed that existing regulations were inefficient. The new convention requires that all ships adopt management plans for their ballast water and the sediment that it contains, carry a record book of ballast water exchanges and carry out procedures according to pre-established standards. Port authorities will be authorized to inspect ballast water management record books, sample ballast water and conduct more detailed inspections as required. Ships must conduct ballast water exchange at least 200 nautical miles from shore and in waters that are at least 200 m deep. One of the provisions of the convention stipulates that certain countries may also impose additional measures that are more strict than those adopted by other members of the IMO. Dennis Shornack, Chair of the U.S. section of the IJC, hopes that Canada and the U.S. will take advantage of this provision to counter the problem of invasive species in the Great Lakes. Invasive species that arrive clandestinely in ballast water constitute a major threat to the biodiversity of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. The most well-known species is the zebra mussel. Every year millions of dollars are spent trying to control the Great Lakes zebra mussel invasion. As well as competing with indigenous species, this species also causes considerable damage to infrastructures and irrigation ditches. [IJC, IMO] I want to know more On International Joint Commission Site: On International Maritime Organization Site: Alien invaders in ballast water — new Convention adopted at IMO On Whales Online: The Great Lakes more threatened than ever by alien invasive species (20 February 2003) Exotic species help each other out invading the Great Lakes (7 September 2000) New funding for the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (28 July 2000) 12 February 2004 Closing of the Saguenay Söderberg Potlines: Good News for Beluga WhalesAlcan announced the shutdown of the Arvida (Saguenay) facility Söderberg potlines last January 22. The company was already committed to closing down all Söderberg potlines before 2015. This outmoded, inefficient and polluting technology will be replaced by potlines using pre-baked anodes, a much more efficient and less polluting procedure. Over 500 employees were affected by this announcement, yet Alcan maintains that no job losses are forthcoming. Despite this promise, the news had the effect of a bomb being dropped on the Saguenay region, already hard hit by job losses and an exodus of young people from the area. The closing of the Söderberg potlines will accelerate the reduction of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions in the Saguenay and St. Lawrence, a process that began in the 1980s. This closure is in keeping with recommendations outlined in the St. Lawrence Beluga Recovery Plan, published in 1995. PAHs–produced in large quantities by Söderberg technology–are known to have carcinogenic potential. Studies have demonstrated a higher incidence of lung and bladder cancer in workers in these aluminum smelters. PAHs have also been blamed for intestinal cancer found in the endangered St. Lawrence beluga population. Alcan halted the dumping of liquid PAHs in the early 1980s. The construction of the Laterrière factory in the 1990s led to the replacement of 10 of 23 series of Söderberg pots; 3 others were shut down with the closing of the Isle Maligne plant in 2000. Atmospheric PAH emission reduction measures put in place in the 1990s led Alcan to reduce global emissions by 88 percent by the year 2001. With the closing of the Arvida potlines, only three plants using Söderberg technology will continue to operate in Quebec, two of them belong to Alcan. As for the pre-bake anode pots used in the new plants, they hardly produce any PAHs at all. Apart from aluminum smelters, other sources of PAHs include residential wood heating, forest fires, internal combustion engines, pulp and paper mills, water treatment plants and some installations treated with creosote. [Alcan, La Presse, Radio-Canada, The St. Lawrence Beluga Recovery Plan Report] I want to know more On Alcan site: Sustainable Actions : Reducing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Emissions Alcan to Halt Production at its 60-Year-Old Jonquière Söderberg Aluminum Smelter in Quebec On Radio-Canada site: Alcan ferme son usine à Saguenay (in French only) On Whales Online:Cancers in St. Lawrence belugas The St. Lawrence beluga recovery plan 29 January 2004 The Québec-Vert-Kyoto Coalition Questions the Future of Quebec EnergyIn a reaction to recent decisions made by the province-owned Hydro-Québec corporation and the Charest government concerning energy, a coalition has been created by the Union québécoise pour la conservation de la nature (UQCN), the Regroupement national des conseils régionaux de l’environnement du Québec (RNCREQ), the Association québécoise de lutte à la pollution atmosphérique (AQLPA) with the help of militants from the Parti vert du Québec (Quebec’s green party). Several other groups have also joined the coalition, including the Bloc Québécois, the Amies de la Terre, the Fondation Rivières as well as various organizations and citizens. The Québec-Vert-Kyoto coalition is pushing for in-depth reflection on what is at stake with regards to Quebec energy. According to its 2004-2008 plan, Hydro-Québec aims to develop thermal electricity production as well as oil and gas exploration and production. According to members of the coalition, this proposition represents such a drastic change of course that will "…so profoundly modify Quebec’s future energy policy that it is important that it be given special attention". If Hydro-Québec truly believes that it is urgent to build new power stations to fulfil increasing energy demands in an economically expanding Quebec, the coalition believes that there is more "…urgency to change course towards energy conservation and ‘green’ solutions such as wind power". Moreover, Québec-Vert-Kyoto invites the population to a public demonstration to voice opposition to the new direction put forward by Hydro-Québec and the Quebec government. The march is set for next Sunday, February 1, in Montreal. Presently, the coalition is mostly concerned by the Suroît project: the imminent construction of a natural gas power station in Beauharnois. This project, which the Bureau d’audiences public sur l’environnement (BAPE) judged unfavourably last year, was nonetheless given the go-ahead by Quebec’s Natural Resources and Environment Ministers, Mr. Hamad and Mr. Mulcair. The coalition considers the Suroît project to be in contradiction to Canada’s commitment to the Kyoto Accord. The proposed power station would emit 2.2 million t of greenhouse gases annually; the equivalent of the emissions produced by 600 000 cars. This would increase Quebec’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5 percent. In signing the Kyoto Accord, Canada committed itself to a reduction of greenhouse gas emission to levels 6 percent below those recorded in 1990. Before Christmas, the Front commun–which included certain organizations that are now also members of the Québec-Vert-Kyoto coalition–also led a battle to obtain a moratorium on oil and gas exploration and production projects in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Among Front commun demands was a revision of Quebec’s energy policy. [Québec-Vert-Kyoto, RNCREQ, Le Devoir] I want to know more Québec-Vert-Kyoto site (in French only) On Whales Online: Oil and gas exploration in the St. Lawrence Coalition press release: Le plan stratégique 2004-2008 d’Hydro-Québec offre-t-il l’espoir d’un avenir énergétique socialement responsable? Download pdf document (in French only) 8 January 2004 Widening the Seaway: Canada Agrees to Side with the United StatesSince May, Canada has been participating in a US$20 million joint study with the U.S. Corps of Engineers on the feasibility of a proposed project to widen the St. Lawrence Seaway. The United States has shown a determined interest in the project for several years now. For economic reasons, the Americans would like to see larger cargo vessels make their way into the Great Lakes. Only 13 percent of the international merchant fleet and 5 percent of container ships can use the locks separating the St. Lawrence Seaway from the Great Lakes. Canada was not favourable to the widening of the Seaway in early 2003. However, in the fall, the Federal Transport Minister declared that he was in favour of the project. Administrators in charge of locks and the Seaway have stated that "the Seaway is a formidable resource that is under-utilised. It has the potential to stimulate economic growth, improve environmental protection by reducing the number of trucks on the road and improving transportation safety." However, in the province of Quebec, Mr. Thomas Mulcair, Environment Minister, along with other politicians and environmental groups, are concerned about the fallout from such a project. They are worried about the serious environmental impacts on the fluvial ecosystem. These include stirring up toxic sediments through dredging operations, shoreline erosion, a drop in water levels in the entire river, habitat loss and lower water quality, among others. There is also concern about the effect on Quebec’s economy owing to the fact that cargo vessels would be able to pass directly into the Great Lakes without stopping in the ports of Montreal and Québec City. Moreover, 2003 was a record year at ports in Montreal and Québec City in terms of tonnage handled and maritime traffic. No less than 8.5 million tonnes of merchandise–with the exception of petroleum products–were transited through the Québec City port. This represents an increase of 40 percent over 2002. Traffic in the port of Montreal increased by 10 percent to 1.1 million containers for a total volume of 20.8 million tonnes. A coalition opposed to the widening of the Seaway has been formed on the initiative of Bernard Bigras, spokesman for the Bloc Québécois in matters related to the environment. This coalition is made up of several environmental groups like Stratégie Saint-Laurent, the Ville-Marie Zone d’intervention prioritaire (ZIP) committee, the Conseil régional de l'environnement pour Montréal, the Conseil régional de l'environnement de la Montérégie, the Fondation Rivières, the Union Saint-Laurent/Grands Lacs and the Union québécoise pour la conservation de la nature (UQCN). Members of the coalition are demanding that the federal government not participate in the project. They suggest that the government invest in an inter-modal transportation system that would include the development of the railway, thus favouring the ports of Montreal, Québec City and areas. [Le Soleil, La Seigneurie, Le Devoir] Update: On January 21, New York state senator Hillary Clinton stated that she was against any project to widen the St. Lawrence Seaway. She has requested that U.S. president Bush terminate the joint study led by the American Army and Canada. This is not the first time that Mrs. Clinton has come to the defence of the St. Lawrence. She considers it to be “…a natural environment, a dynamic community and a flourishing tourist industry.” [La Presse] I want to know more On Le Devoir.com site: En bref : Rangez les pelles (in French only) On the Bloc Québécois site: On Whales Online: Widening of the St. Lawrence Seaway (26 September 2002) Stratégies Saint-Laurent: Élargissement de la voix maritime du Saint-Laurent (in French only) (Télécharger le document pdf) |