Questions

Marine mammals

	Marie-Josée		4 November 11:56:00 AM
	Why do killer whales (orcas) in captivity have bent dorsal fins?
	Our answer	Male killer whales that live in aquariums do in fact have bent dorsal fins. Why the males? The reason is that their dorsal fins are much larger than those of females are. Female killer whale dorsal fins may lean slightly to the side, but will not become bent. When male killer whales are young, their dorsal fins resemble those of females. When they reach "puberty" they go through a growth spurt; their bodies grow rapidly, as do their appendages (pectoral fins, dorsal fins and tails). At this stage they often appear ungainly, kind of like adolescent humans. The dorsal fin is made up of connective tissue; it contains neither bone nor muscle. A whale cannot control its shape or make it move. As it grows, the dorsal-fin tissue becomes more flexible. This is where the whale's environment comes into play. Killer whales living in the wild spend more time under water because that is generally where they forage for food. However, in aquariums most of their activities (feeding, playing, and interacting with trainers) take place at the surface. Because of this, the dorsal fin is not as often supported by water while it is growing rapidly. Gravity takes its toll and forces it to bend over. After the growth spurt, the connective tissue becomes less flexible and the dorsal fin retains its shape. In general, male killer whales in captivity were captured at a young age. Consequently, they go through this growth phase while in captivity. Thus, male killer whales in aquariums have bent dorsal fins. However, this is also the case for certain males living in the wild. At least two known killer whales living in the waters off British Columbia have curved dorsal fins. In one of these cases, the dorsal fin remained straight for almost the entire growth period and started bending only near the end of this phase. Genetics may also play a role. A bent dorsal fin does not affect the whale's abilities to reproduce and swim. Nor is it an indication of the animal's feelings or mood. Several wild killer whales have strangely shaped dorsal fins. They can be either completely bent over, a little wobbly or have a wavy edge. Other killer whales living along the coast of British Columbia have oddly-shaped dorsal fins because they continued to grow after having been shot. (In the past, killer whales were shot at because they were considered competion by fishermen.) Thank you to the Vancouver Aquarium's interpretation team for this information. I want to know more Discover the killer whale Vancouver Aquarium website

	Patricia		21 October 7:54:00 PM
	Why is tuna fishing dangerous for whales ?
	Our answer	There is a strong association between the dolphins of the Eastern Tropical Pacific and tuna; these fish are often found swimming just below groups of dolphins. Tuna fishermen quickly learned how to take advantage of this association. They would locate the dolphins, encircle them with their nets and then herd them using outboard motor boats. This would result in a bountiful catch of tuna... and of dolphins. These days fishing techniques have improved, saving a large majority of the dolphins. There even exists an international agreement between the countries that exploit this resource to limit dolphin mortality. I want to know more What is behind the "Dolphin Safe" tuna label ?

	Rebecca		16 October 7:52:00 PM
	Do whales see in colour?
	Our answer	Light does not penetrate water beyond a certain depth. This specific depth varies according to the angle of penetration of the light as well as the turbidity of the water. Also, as colours have different wavelengths, they are absorbed differently. Red is absorbed in the first few metres, while violet is the colour that penetrates deepest. In general, one cannot expect to be able to see beyond a depth of 60 metres. Consequently, sight is not the main sense used by cetaceans. One may also conclude that distinguishing colour is not of prime importance for whales. Very few studies have been carried out on coloured vision in cetaceans. Researchers have discovered that only one of the two types of cones (cells associated with colour discrimination in bright light) is present in the retina of the bottlenose dolphin. Other cells, known as rods, are associated with sight in low light conditions. The study concludes that if dolphins see in colour (according to a comparison between cones and rods), this vision is poorly developed and is limited to the blue-green portion of the light spectrum. Here is another piece of interesting information: whale eyes shine in the dark. The reason for this is a reflective layer that is present at the back of the eye known as the tapetum lucidum. This layer returns to the retina light that was not initially absorbed. This same layer is what makes cat and wild animal eyes shine at night when headlights light them up. It is a structure present in many nocturnal and crepuscular animals. I want to know more The five senses: Mammals in the land beneath the waves

	Marylise		15 October 4:32:00 PM
	Do whales sleep?
	Our answer	Yes, whales sleep, or at least they rest. For example, beluga whales, humpback whales or right whales are sometimes observed floating, breathing slowly, calmly immobile at the surface. This type of behaviour is called "logging" in reference to a floating log. Other species tend to swim slowly near the surface. This is quite obviously a resting period. But, do whales sleep as we do? Can they dream? Many researchers have worked to define cetacean sleep by studying cetaceans in captivity. Studies on captive dolphins have shown that half of their brain sleeps while the other half remains awake to ensure breathing, which is voluntary for cetaceans. Dolphins therefore sleep with one eye open! When they sleep, most terrestrial mammals have paradoxical sleep episodes. These episodes are characterized, among other things, by rapid eye movements... and dreams! As for cetaceans, researchers have noted, in the cases of a captive young grey whale and a captive beluga whale, movements that resemble those that characterize paradoxical sleep in terrestrial mammals. However, researchers are not able to clearly identify, nor determine the duration of, this stage of sleep in cetaceans. Other studies will be necessary in order to be able to say for sure that whales actually dream. I want to know more FAQ-Answers to questions you may be asking yourself

	Alicia		4 October 8:39:00 PM
	How long does a baby whale stay in its mother's belly?
	Our answer	The gestation period, as it is known, varies from one species of whale to another. For mysticete whales (those with baleen plates in their mouths), it is between 10 and 13 months. For odontocete whales (those with teeth), it varies from 10 to 17 months. The gestation period is not related to the size of the whale. For example a small cetacean, like a harbour porpoise, stays in its mother's belly for 11 months, the same period as for a rorqual type whale, which is much bigger! Another example is the development of a small pilot whale, which lasts 15 to 16 months; longer than the baby of a blue whale; the largest animal in the world! The gestation period is apparently related to the feeding and migration cycles of each species. The long stay in the mother's belly is necessary because of the environment in which they live. As soon as the baby is born, it must be able to swim, to see, to hear and to speak. Its development must therefore take place, as much as possible, before it is born. In this respect, cetaceans can be compared to ungulate animals (deer, horses, elephants,...). At birth, fawns and colts must be able to run almost immediately in order to avoid potential predators and ensure their survival. This is not the case for humans. The development of the human brain and muscles takes place, for the most part, after birth.

	Francis		30 September 7:47:00 AM
	Is it true that a substance known as ambergris comes from whales?
	Our answer	Yes, it is true. Ambergris comes from sperm whales. However, it is important to make the distinction between ambergris and amber. Amber is a hard, transparent, fossilized resin of plant origin. It has the appearance of a golden yellow precious stone and is often used in the making of jewellery. Ambergris has a very different origin. It is an intestinal concretion of the sperm whale. Sperm whales feed on squid, whose beaks are not digestible. The hard beaks become enveloped in ambergris, probably to facilitate their passage through the intestinal tract. In the intestine of a sperm whale ambergris is a black, semiviscous liquid that gives off a foul odour. Once exposed to sunlight and air it quickly oxidizes and hardens to a pleasantly aromatic greyish substance (that still contains squid beaks!) At this stage, it gives off a mild, sweet odour. In the past, ambergris was used as a fixative for perfumes. It has the effect of making other fragrances last much longer than they normally would. It is said that a single drop of tincture of ambergris applied to a piece of paper in a book will remain fragrant after 40 years and that once handled, the fingers will smell of it even after several days and several washings. The chemical compound that gives ambergris its special properties has been known since 1820. Ambrein, and other substances of the same family, are now extracted from plants or produced in laboratories.

	Simon		22 September 9:42:00 PM
	Why don't whales have eyelashes?
	Our answer	Good observation! It is true that whales do not have eyelashes. Not even female whales, even though we often see them in cartoon drawings with long, seductive eyelashes. Eyelashes are an adaptation of land mammals to protect the eyes from dust and various particles. In water, this structure is probably not very useful. Other adaptations exist to protect the eye. Whales do not have lachrymal glands, the glands that secrete tears. However, they do have glands that produce oil to lubricate the eyeball. Whales also have eyelids and can therefore open and close their eyes. Which means that they could even wink at you!

	Denise		13 September 3:55 PM
	Is it still possible to see whales at this time of the year?
	Our answer	It sure is! Just because most of us return to work or to school when the summer holidays are over doesn't mean that whales do the same. A good number of the species of whales that frequent the St. Lawrence in summer are still abundant in the fall. They progressively leave our waters in November or December. Humpback whales will make their way to warmer waters, to specific areas for reproduction. Nearly all of the other species spread out into the Gulf and the North Atlantic. Belugas, on the other hand, remain in the St. Lawrence year-round. They simply move a little further downstream for winter. Whales can even be spotted in the St. Lawrence in the cold season. Far from most of their kind, certain individual animals stick around to take their chances with the ice in order to take advantage of the abundance of food that can be found in the St. Lawrence all year.

	Philip		9 September 2:58:00 PM
	How do whales stay warm in icy-cold water?
	Our answer	This is an excellent question, especially when you consider that certain species of whales live where ambient water temperatures hover around the freezing point. Brrr. Whales possess a thick layer of blubber just beneath their skin, which protects them from the cold. The blubber acts as insulation against the surrounding environment, a little like the insulating materials that are used in the walls of a house. In the case of the harbour porpoise, its blubber is between 2 and 5 cm thick. For the fin whale it is between 10 and 20 cm thick. The blubber of a right whale is between 50 and 80 cm thick. Whales also use a special thermo-regulating mechanism. When they become cold, they have the ability to contract their blood vessels in order to prevent blood from circulating close to the skin and cooling off. Blood is circulated beneath the layer of blubber. On the other hand, when they are warm, blood vessels will dilate allowing the blood to cool off near the skin, above the layer of blubber. Whale calves drink very rich mother's milk in order to rapidly build up this protective layer of blubber.

	Daisy		5 September 8:55:00
	Is it true that whalebone was once used in the fabrication of umbrellas?
	Our answer	In days gone by whales were hunted for their whalebone or baleen plates. Baleen is the structure present in the mouths of certain species of whales that they use to strain food from water. Made up of stiff keratin, baleen plates were used in the fabrication of various everyday objects such as buggy springs, combs, shaving brushes, corset-stays, ... and the rigid ribbing of umbrellas. Baleen has since been replaced by plastic in these everyday items.

	Marianne		22 August 2002 10:13
	Is it possible to identify whales by their blows?
	Our answer	Yes it is possible, for several species of whales. Smaller whales generally have a blow that is too small to be seen. Larger whales can be identified by their blows. The sperm whale's blow is slanted due to the fact that its blowhole is situated on the left side of its head. Right whale blows emerge as a large "V" due to the shape of their blowholes. Fin whales and blue whales have large, powerful blows that rise up in tall columns. Humpback whale blows are not as tall and are as wide as they are high. It is important to note that wind, relative humidity and the animal's behaviour can have an effect on the overall shape and height of a whale's blow. The blow, therefore, is often used initially to spot a whale, and then as a clue for species identification. Afterwards it is important to pay attention to the size of the whale, the colour of its back, the presence or absence of a dorsal fin and, if the animal has a dorsal fin, determine its shape and position on the back. All of the above observations serve as clues that, when assembled, can be used for positive species identification. I want to know more How to identify them at sea?

	Ianie		20 August 2002 13:58
	Is it true that plastic debris thrown out to sea can harm whales?
	Our answer	Yes, it is true that debris found in whale habitats could cause problems for these animals. Plastic bags, for example, can get caught in the baleen plates or oesophaguses of whales, preventing them from being able to eat adequately. The debris can also make its way into the stomach. Last July 3, the GECC (Cotentin Cetaceans Study Group), a group of French biologists, with the help of the University of Caen, proceeded with the analysis of the stomach contents of a minke whale found dead on a beach in Normandy. The stomach contained: 1 potato chip bag composed of plastic and aluminum, 2 grocery bags, 7 pieces of garbage bags of various colours (black, white and blue), one of them 25 cm X 70 cm and one 70 cm X 75 cm, 7 clear plastic bags (whole and in pieces), one of them 90 cm X 30 cm and another 100 cm X 20 cm, 1 piece of plastic food packaging, etc., for a total weight of 800 g. This debris is likely the cause of death. Leatherback turtles and odontocetes (toothed whales) have also ingested plastic debris, however documented cases of plastic ingestion by mysticetes (baleen whales), like that of the minke whale, are rare. [GECC press release] I want to know more GECC web site

	Matthew		17 August 2002 00:18
	Why do some whales bring their tails out of the water while others do not?
	Our answer	First of all, it depends on the species of whale and its morphology. As a rule, rorqual type whales, such as the blue whale, the fin whale and the minke whale, do not fluke up (bring their tail out of the water). Their long supple bodies bend easily as they dive. Other species, like the humpback whale and the sperm whale, with have thicker, less supple bodies. They likely require the movement of fluking up their tails in order to dive deeper. Secondly, it can also depend on individual behaviour. Certain individuals of a given species may fluke up while others do not. Between 15 % and 18% of blue whales in the St. Lawrence display their tails as they dive. Also for the blue whales, fluking up appears to be more common for younger animals. As they age, certain individuals retain this habit while others do not. Some beluga whales and even a few fin whales have been known to fluke up. Thirdly, it may also depend on the animal's behaviour; a humpback whale that is suddenly disturbed or that is not diving very deep will not necessarily fluke up.

	Amy		9 August 2002 10:33
	What does a live beached whale die of?
	Our answer	A live beached whale may die of disease or injury. In these cases, the disease or injury may also be the cause of the whale's stranding. If the whale is neither sick nor hurt, but is not able to get back into deep enough water, with the rising tide for example, it will generally die of complications related to being out of water. At sea, water supports the whale's body. On land, air does not offer this support. The whale's body weighs it down and it may "suffocate" under its own weight; its respiratory muscles are incapable of sufficiently dilating its rib cage to ensure adequate pulmonary ventilation. Also, on the portion of the animal's body that is in contact with the ground, blood circulation is blocked by the animal's weight, causing tissues to die. Even if the animal is returned to the water, these dead tissues will produce toxins leading to generalized infection.

	Robert		27 July 2002 00:14
	Why do whales beach themselves?
	Our answer	Several hypotheses have been put forth to explain these strandings which likely have multiple causes. The whales may be sick or hurt; illness or parasites may affect their sense of direction. It is believed that whales use magnetic fields and underwater topography to orient themselves. For this reason, a magnetic field deviation or an odd coastline formation could cause confusion. It is not an uncommon occurrence for beached whales that have been returned to deeper water to later strand on the same beach from which they were freed. Their reference points may wrongly lead them to believe that deeper water lies in the direction of the beach. Live strandings often repeatedly occur in the same area, in zones with specific characteristics. Pelagic species of whales that are more at home in deep, mid-ocean waters may get caught off guard by the falling tide in shallow estuaries. In the case of mass stranding, whales may simply be following a confused leader, or they may be swimming to the aid of an already stranded whale that is sending off a distress call. Essentially, these strandings remain somewhat mysterious.

	Sonya		12 July 2002 15:31
	Is it true that fin whale distribution varies according to the type of food they eat?
	Our answer	Fin whales feed on fish and krill. They appear to use very different strategies to capture each of these prey species. It could be that fin whales find it advantageous to work as a group to catch fish, highly mobile prey that tends to bunch up in specific areas at precise stages of the tide cycle. Krill, on the other hand, when it is abundant, forms immense clouds spread out over several kilometres. It is likely better to work alone in this situation in order to fill up on the krill. Krill are small organisms resembling shrimp that, swim as they may, are not able to cover much distance. Between 1994 and 1999, the GREMM's fin whale sighting data was compared with krill abundance data which was collected in the Estuary by Michel Harvey and Jeff Runge of the MLI. The more abundant the krill, the more the fin whales disperse. When there is less krill, fin whale feeding efforts are concentrated on prey such as fish, and they are more often found in tight groups as they hunt.

	Philip		12 July 2002 15:28
	Do narwhals really exist?
	Our answer	They sure do! Many people think that the narwhal is a mythical creature. Its appearance is likely the main reason for this belief. Its long, twisted tusk, a secondary characteristic in males of the species, is probably the basis of the myth of the unicorn. Imagine someone from bygone days finding this magnificent artefact on a beach and asking himself from what animal might it have come. Why, it could possibly come from a horse! As a matter of fact, the narwhal is also known as the unicorn of the sea. Its distribution is circumpolar in the Arctic Ocean. It is in the same family as the beluga whale and, while it is comparable in size and shape to the beluga whale, it is mottled grey in colour.

	Roxane		4 July 2002 14:54
	Can whales be tamed?
	Our answer	Certain species of cetaceans (the group of animals that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises) can be trained in captivity, specifically dolphins, killer whales and beluga whales. However, the tricks that they do, their jumps, cries and so forth, are extensions of their natural behaviour. Although these animals appear to be tamed, they remain wild animals. Accidents reported in aquariums demonstrate this wild side. In the early 1990s, for example, a woman working with killer whales fell into their pool and drowned when one of the animals pulled her under water. Even though killer whales are generally harmless towards humans, they must still be handled carefully. In the wild, certain species of whales occasionally develop very social behaviour towards humans. For example, Nocturne, a humpback whale that frequents the Gulf of St. Lawrence, often approaches boats and allows people to touch it. Occasionally, solitary beluga whales will "adopt" a port and socialize with humans. It is important to keep in mind that this type of behaviour is exceptional. Also, contact with humans often creates serious problems. Animals can lose their ability to survive in their natural habitat and establish normal relationships with their own kind. They also become more susceptible to ship strikes. As much for the whale's sake as for our own, it is probably better to be content with observing their natural behaviour from a distance than to attempt to tame them. I want to know more Three belugas, far from home (12 July 2001)

	Frederick		4 July 2002 14:47
	What are the blue whale's predators?
	Our answer	The main predators of whales are the killer whale, certain species of shark (such as the tiger shark or the great white shark) and the polar bear that has been known to attack beluga whales in the Arctic. In the case of the blue whale, the largest of all whales, it can be attacked by killer whales that hunt in groups similar to wolf packs. It appears that this is the only predator of the blue whale, unless sharks attack young blue whales on occasion. However, this has never been verified. Humans may also be considered as a menace to whales, either through hunting, pollution of the world's oceans, habitat destruction, accidental entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, noise pollution or as the cause of drops in prey species by overfishing or climatic change. As a matter of fact, the blue whale has just been declared "endangered" in Canadian waters. I want to know more A new status for the blue whale: endangered (9 May 2002)

	Daniel		27 June 2002 15:47
	Why are whales so big?
	Our answer	It is commonly assumed that it is their aquatic lifestyle that allowed whales to grow to such impressive dimensions. A terrestrial mammal could never attain the proportions of a large whale as, on land, an animal of this size would require phenomenal muscular and skeletal structures to support its own weight. Seeing as how water supports an animal's weight, such huge structures are not necessary in an aquatic environment. This probably explains why certain cetaceans like the blue whale and the sperm whale, grow to such imposing sizes. Even though all cetaceans are not gigantic, as a group they are larger than the average-sized terrestrial mammal. The smallest cetaceans grow to about the size of a human while the majority of land mammals are smaller. So, for a mammal living in water, are there advantages to being large? Yes, being large allows whales to have a smaller surface area in relation to their volume. Heat loss by skin contact is thus reduced. This represents a definite advantage in an environment that conducts heat as does water: it allows the animal to conserve energy. For this reason, large animals have energy requirements that are proportionally smaller than the energy requirements of small animals.

	Doug		15 June 2002 14:36
	Do whales drink seawater?
	Our answer	Both marine mammals and those that live in the desert face the same challenge: they live in short supply of water. You may reply that marine mammals live in water! This is of course true, however it is salt water. Marine mammals, like all mammals, must maintain mineral salt concentrations in their bodies at a level approximately three times inferior to concentrations found in seawater. If they drink seawater, they must eliminate excess mineral salts through their urine, which is therefore more concentrated than seawater, in order to maintain equilibrium. Human kidneys are incapable of dealing with such concentrations. This explains why humans who drink seawater become dehydrated. Many marine mammals, on the other hand, are able to produce highly concentrated urine and are therefore able to drink a good quantity of seawater without any danger. But do they go so far as to drink seawater in order to quench their thirst? Not necessarily. Studies have demonstrated that California sea lions satisfy their water requirements through the fish that they eat. Grey seals and harbour seals are able to produce water by transforming their fat reserves. So, what do whales do? Those that eat fish likely have no more difficulty than the California sea lion. Invertebrates tend to have a higher salt content than fish. Therefore, whales that eat krill and copepods may be required to transform the fat and sugar in their bodies to produce water to maintain the internal equilibrium necessary for their survival. It is to be noted that whales do not sweat. Their water requirements are thus less than those of terrestrial mammals.

	Patricia		8 June 2002 09:17
	How do whales feed their offspring?
	Our answer	Whales are mammals like us. Therefore, they nurse their young. Females have nipples that are hidden in slits on either side of their genital slit. Their nipples are only exposed when the young whale, or calf as it is called, comes to nurse. As it turns out, whale calves do not have the muscles necessary to suckle. Instead, it is the mother that, once stimulated by pressure of the young on its nipple, expulses milk into the baby whale's mouth. Baleen whales nurse their young for a period of approximately six months, after which the young whale becomes independent. The smaller species of toothed whales nurse their young for a shorter period of time than the larger species of toothed whales. Dolphins, for example, may nurse their young for less than a year, while sperm whales may nurse for as long as four years, and in some cases as much as 13 or even 15 years. Later, the young whale will begin eating solid food. Over the course of the nursing period it will progressively learn the techniques that will allow it to capture prey once it is weaned. I want to know more Reproduction : How do whales, you know... do it?

	Julie		1 June 2002 22:39
	How many different types of whales exist?
	Our answer	There are approximately 80 species of cetaceans, a group that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. Why "approximately"? Certain species have only been seen on rare occasions or have only been described on the basis of a few bones that were found. Others are the source of debates concerning classification. For example the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, whose most famous representative was "Flipper" of TV fame, may include several species or sub-species. Genetic analysis may help in clearing up certain touchy questions concerning classification. I want to know more Cetaceans or whales?

	Suzan		24 May 2002 18:30
	What is beluga caviar?
	Our answer	First off, it is important to note that beluga is a Russian word meaning white or whitish. It can therefore be associated to other animals than the famous white whale. This is the case for a certain white fish known as the beluga sturgeon. The eggs of this fish make for highly prized food: beluga caviar. There is, of course, no link with St. Lawrence or northern beluga whales which are marine mammals and not fish. Beluga whales do not lay eggs that find their way on to hors-d'oeuvres! It should be noted that the beluga sturgeon is a threatened species that may even be on the verge of extinction. This situation is due in large part to the high demand for caviar.

	Helen		20 May 2002 11:45
	Why is it that the minke whales visiting the St. Lawrence to feed are almost exclusively female ?
	Our answer	The few minke whale carcasses that have been discovered have turned out to be female. The few individuals that showed their bellies at the surface, enabling researchers to identify gender, were also female. Therefore, there is a tendency to believe that the minke whales that visit the St. Lawrence are almost exclusively female. However, the sample is limited. A biopsy sampling programme may someday be undertaken that would help clarify this tendency. (Biopsy samples contain skin and fat. Analysis of DNA in the skin can be used to determine an animal's gender.) If the predominantly female minke whale hypothesis were confirmed, the next step would be to try to determine why this is so. For now, this question also remains unanswered. This is but one of many mysteries surrounding the lives of whales.

	Ron		16 May 2002 15:24
	Is it true that female belugas transmit toxic contaminants to their offspring through their milk?
	Our answer	Yes, female beluga whales do transmit toxic contaminants that they have accumulated in their bodies to their young. These contaminants accumulate mainly in fatty tissues. The fat ends up in the mother's milk which, for all marine mammals, is particularly rich. The young beluga therefore feeds on one of the most contaminated substances in the St. Lawrence: beluga milk. The situation is even worse for the first born, as the mother in a sense "purges" herself of these contaminants when she nurses for the first time. The young beluga may possibly become more contaminated than the mother, even before it begins to feed on contaminated prey. Toxic substances can also be transmitted through the placenta. This explains why there has been no observable drop in contaminant levels in beluga whales despite a decrease in pollution in the St. Lawrence. It will take many years and several generations of belugas before there is a noticeable improvement. Clean-up efforts must therefore continue unabated.

	Helen		9 May 2002 08:32
	Who cuts the umbilical cords of whales?
	Our answer	Whales do have umbilical cords like we do. They are mammals and mothers feed the foetuses through the placenta. Obviously it is neither medical personnel nor the father that cuts the cord! It breaks off on its own when the baby is born; the baby's birth is quite brusque. It should be noted that the birth of a whale has never been observed in the wild. The information we have comes from scenes filmed in an aquarium.

	Chris		3 May 2002 13:52
	Is it true that a new species of whale has been discovered in the North Pacific?
	Our answer	Actually, a genetic discovery has been made concerning right whales. It appears that the right whales of the North Pacific belong to a species that is distinct from North Atlantic right whales. The species Eubalaena glacialis will henceforth be divided into Eubalaena glacialis japonica (North Pacific right whale) and Eubalaena glacialis glacialis (North Atlantic right whale). There is also another species : Eubalaena glacialis australis, the southern right whale. These three cases should not be confused with the bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus, which is another species entirely.

	Anthony		23 April 2002 21:26
	Why do whales spit out a stream of water?
	Our answer	As was explained in the most recent Question of the week, the hole on the top of a whale's head is called a blowhole and serves as its nostrils. It is therefore air, and not water, that comes out of a whale's blowhole. What is visible is in fact the blow of the whale. When we breathe in cold weather the water vapour in our breath condenses and we see a tiny cloud come out of our mouths. It is the same thing for whales. The air that comes out of their lungs is warm while the ambient air is cold, which causes condensation. As well, the air expulsed when a whale exhales is under pressure. As with the change in temperature, the change in pressure from the lungs to ambient air causes condensation. In the case of the great whales, the blow is so powerful that it forms a column several metres high. Doubtless these impressive blows, which are visible from a great distance, led sailors of yore to believe that whales spit out streams of water. The blows of whales are generally used to locate whales at sea or while on a cruise. That said, whales can also actually spit water out of their mouths. Certain toothed whales (belugas, dolphins, killer whales) do this in captivity, but also in the wild. This behaviour is probably associated to feeding. For example, belugas have been observed spitting water while hunting. As for certain species of baleen whales (the rorqual whales), their feeding strategy consists of engulfing a large quantity of water and then expulsing it through their baleen plates in order to filter out their prey. This could be likened to spitting water.

	Vanessa		13 April 2002 08:01
	What is the hole on the top of a whale's head for?
	Our answer	The "hole" on the top of a whale's head is called the "blowhole". Blowholes are the whale equivalent of our nostrils. Because whales are mammals like us, they need to breathe air to live. They also have lungs. Toothed whales (odontocetes) have but one blowhole while baleen whales (mysticetes) have two. Why are whale's nostrils on the top of their heads instead of the end of their snouts? The position of the blowholes on the top of the head allows whales to continue swimming as they breathe. If the blowholes were situated on the end of their snouts, they would have to stop moving forward to bring them out of the water to breathe.

	Molly		31 March 2002 21:39
	What is the life expectancy of a whale?
	Our answer	The life expectancy of a whale varies according to species. As a general rule, the larger the whale, the longer it lives. For example, a harbour porpoise can live to between 10 and 13 years, a beluga whale around 30 years and a humpback whale to between 30 and 50 years. Large rorqual type whales such as the fin whale and the blue whale likely have life spans similar to our own. That is to say, they probably live to 75 years or more. On of the longest lived cetaceans is the female killer whale. It can live up to 100 years, while the male lives only 50 years. The reason for this difference is not known. I want to know more The 13 whales of the St. Lawrence

	Cindy		26 March 2002 09:31
	Do whales breach (jump out of the water) to remove the small crustaceans stuck to their skin, or do they breach just for fun?
	Our answer	These are but two theories used to explain this behaviour. There are many others as well. We do not know exactly why whales breach. Is it to let other whales know where they are? Is it courting behaviour? Do they breach as a demonstration of their aggressiveness, or to show off their strength? Could breaching help them assemble their prey, making it easier to catch? Is breaching predator avoidance behaviour? Or could it be to rid themselves of parasites? And, why not, as you said, just for fun! I want to know more Hal Whitehead: Why do whales breach?

	James		24 March 2002 20:09
	Can sanctuaries help whales?
	Our answer	Whale sanctuaries are areas where commercial whaling is prohibited. The first such sanctuary was established in 1938 in a portion of the Antarctic. It was maintained from the inception of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) until 1955. Whaling was then re-opened in this area to reduce the pressure of catches on the rest of the Antarctic whaling grounds. Another sanctuary was established by the IWC in the Indian Ocean in 1979. It was initially established for ten years and has since been extended twice. In 1994 the IWC designated another sanctuary covering the entire Southern Ocean. It is important to note that Japan hunts minke whales in this sanctuary under special permit. The ban on whaling in these sanctuaries does help whales. By prohibiting whaling, the sanctuaries participate in the recovery of certain populations. However, recovery also depends on several other factors. On the one hand, whales are not confined to the sanctuaries; their territories can extend beyond these zones. Also, other threats exist that can be harmful to whales, threats that include ocean pollution, loss of habitat, entanglement in fishing gear, noise pollution, the effects of fishing on their food sources, disturbance by human activities, climate change, etc. It is a huge puzzle and consequently it is important to have all of the pieces in hand in order to protect whales efficiently. I want to know more Are whales endangered?

	Jessica		21 March 2002 10:28
	Why are whales endangered?
	Our answer	The question of endangered whales must be addressed species by species. In some cases it is not necessarily a whole species that is endangered, but portions thereof, otherwise known as populations. Certain whale populations are in fact at risk of disappearing, for example the St. Lawrence beluga, the Eastern Arctic bowhead whale and the North Atlantic right whale. Other populations such as the Eastern Pacific grey whale and several populations of minke whales are not at risk. Why are some of them more threatened than others? Twentieth century whaling decimated many species of whales. Some are recovering; others do not appear to be coming back as easily. The main threat to whales likely comes from humans. Pollution, competition for food resources, transformation of the environment and whaling are threats for many populations of whales. I want to know more Are whales endangered?

	Francis		6 March 2002 18:46
	Are killer whales (orcas) endangered ?
	Our answer	Killer whales as a species are not in danger of extinction. They are common and can be found in all oceans of the planet. They have likely been affected to a relatively small degree by human activities when compared with other species of marine mammals. In the past they were hunted for their oil and meat, however, this hunt ended in the early 1980s. A small number of killer whales are still occasionally taken either directly or incidentally. That said, certain populations of killer whales are endangered. For example, while the northern Vancouver Island population of resident killer whales has recovered, the southern Vancouver Island population has recently declined. In this particular case, even though few were taken, the capture of killer whales for use in aquaria may have had an effect on local population sizes. A similar situation exists in Japan where the killer whale population is small and the capture of just a few animals could jeopordize its recovery. Disturbance by whale-watching boats, high levels of contamination and the reduction of killer whale prey due to human competition are all factors that need to be studied in order to determine to what extent they may be harmful to this species. I want to know more Discover the killer whale

	David		5 March 2002 19:28
	Can humans understand beluga language ?
	Our answer	We are not truly able to understand beluga language. However, we are able to study the sounds produced by these whales and associate them to specific situations such as feeding bouts, social interaction, reproduction or travelling. A research project is presently under way on the St. Lawrence beluga whale that will attempt to associate sounds with animal behaviour at a given moment. We may discover that certain phrases talk about which prey to catch, while others refer to swimming companions! The main thing is that the whales understand each other! It is interesting to note that several studies have demonstrated that certain species of whales use sound signals to recognize each other. Killer whale family groups communicate using unique dialects that allow them to recognize members of their own group. In the first two years of life, each bottlenose dolphin develops its own signature whistle that will characterize it for the rest of its life. This helps it maintain important social bonds, such as those that exist between cow and calf. Female sperm whales also form social groups and emit rhythmical clicks that researchers refer to as codas. These are likely used in the same way: to help them recognize individuals of the same group. We may eventually discover a similar type of "rallying cry" for beluga whales. In order to learn more about beluga language, researchers must record the sounds that they produce. To do this, they use what are known as hydrophones. A hydrophone is a waterproof microphone that is placed in the water. For more information concerning this particular research tool, or other acoustic research projects, consult the Whales online web site at the following address. I want to know more Hydrophones : an ear under the sea

	Adam		28 February 2002 11:48
	What volume of food can a whale's stomach contain?
	Our answer	Whale's stomachs are divided into compartments like those of ruminant animals with which they share a common ancestor. The number of compartments varies according to species. Having this type of stomach is more a legacy than an adaptation to their environment. As for how much a whale stomach can contain, it must be mentioned that there are approximately 80 different species of cetaceans (a group of animals that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises). The size of the stomach therefore varies considerably. The stomach of the blue whale, the largest whale of all, can contain as much as one tonne of krill. The stomach of a fin whale, a smaller species, can contain 800 kg of food.

	Nancy		21 February 2002 10:56
	Is it true that the sperm whale uses its spermaceti organ to dive? If yes, could you explain how it works?
	Our answer	The spermaceti organ is a large oil filled sack situated in the head of the sperm whale. It is this organ that is responsible for its characteristically square head. The spermaceti can represent as much as 40% of the overall length of the animal. As for the diving function of the spermaceti organ, it remains an unproven hypothesis that is based on the fact that the oil contained within this organ changes density depending on temperature. The sperm whale can vary the temperature of this oil by modifying the blood flow around the spermaceti. For example, diminishing blood flow around the spermaceti reservoir could lower the amount of heat transferred from the blood. Spermaceti oil cooled in this way has greater density and is therefore heavier, allowing the sperm whale to sink relatively effortlessly. In this way, the sperm whale could save oxygen and dive for longer periods of time, giving it more time to hunt at depth. To stabilise its descent, or to ascend toward the surface, the sperm whale could increase blood flow around the spermaceti reservoir, thus heating the oil, making it less dense and consequently lighter. According to another hypothesis, the spermaceti organ may be used for the production and transmission of sound. Sperm whales emit "clicks" used for echolocation and communication.

	Sean		7 February 2002 17:02
	What is the name of the swimming technique employed by dolphins and porpoises in order to breathe without slowing down?
	Our answer	There does not appear to be a precise name for this technique. We know that marine mammals must find the best possible compromise between two constraints; the need to come to the surface to breathe and the fact that swimming at a depth of at least three times the diameter of their bodies requires less energy. It is therefore more efficient to travel underwater and to come only periodically to the surface to breathe. Yet dolphins and porpoises often employ a method of surface swimming known as "porpoising ". They swim near the surface, which theoretically requires more energy, as they must counter the drag of waves. There is another form of locomotion that requires even more effort : jumping clear of the surface. This behaviour is often observed in dolphins. It is believed that at a certain speed these jumps would become advantageous, as they allow the dolphin to eliminate the drag of surface waves. Speaking of waves, dolphins sometimes use them in an interesting manner. They allow themselves to be carried along by the movement of the waves. They are often seen taking advantage of waves created by large whales or boats. Whales have developed other adaptations to overcome the inherent conflict between their need to breathe and their aquatic lifestyle, as well as to overcome all constraints brought about by life under water. I want to know more How the whales live

	Elena		14 January 2002 21 : 13
	How many chromosomes do whales and dolphins have?
	Our answer	Typically, cetaceans have 44 chromosomes (or, if you prefer, 22 pairs of chromosomes). In some species, like right whales, bowhead whales, and at least some beaked whales, it appears that two pairs of chromosomes have fused, and so there are only 21 pairs, or 42 chromosomes. As for sperm whales, they too have 42 chromosomes, but there are no clear links between their set of chromosomes and that of other cetaceans studied so far.

	Whaleguy		14 January 2002 15 : 27
	How do humans affect whale populations negatively?
	Our answer	Human activities of all sorts have complex effects on ecosystems. Whales are particularly affected by chemical pollution, habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with boats, reduced fish stocks, noise pollution and whaling. Whales online prepares documents to present these threats in more details, and they are regularly added to the site.

	andy hawley		4 January 2002 09 : 25
	Is it true whales mate out of the water by jumping out of the ocean with each other?
	Our answer	Most available information concerning cetacean mating behaviour comes from captive species such as the bottlenose dolphin and the killer whale. According to observations made in captivity, mating occurs either ventral side to ventral side or turned on the side, essentially below the surface. What should be noted is the prowess required to carry out the act in an environment where there is no support. The male and female must position themselves correctly and then mate using only the movement of their bodies against the water, a feat land mammals would find difficult, if not impossible. Courtship behaviour, on the other hand, is more commonly observed at the surface. Males of many whale species are very demonstrative during mating season, often jumping right out of the water. This is likely a show of strength and is probably a tactic used to either seduce females or discourage other males from competing with them for access to a female.

	Caroll Berger		29 November 2001 21 : 09
	Why do whales strand themselves?
	Our answer	Whales are sometimes already deceased before stranding. A whale will often float several days after it has died. The carcass is then carried by currents and tides and can end up stranded on a beach. Scientists study these carcasses to find out which contaminants and diseases affect the health of whales. On occasion, live whales can also become stranded, most often in groups. These strandings are still very mysterious. Do they go off course because of variations in the Earth "s magnetic field? Do they follow a wounded fellow? Are they suffering from a disease that affects their sense of direction? Did the tide take them by surprise? Whatever the reason, collective strandings are quite rare and probably have multiple causes. Some groups specialize in rescuing stranded whales.

	David Costello		5 October 2001 13 : 00
	Is it true that Whales and elephants are distant relatives? I was told this but find it hard to believe. David Costello
	Our answer	Hi, Your question is very timely, because there was a new scientific publication last September shedding new light on the evolution of whales. Whales are mammals, and they evolved from a terrestrial ancestor about 50 million years ago. The new research confirms that the whales have evolved from an early artiodactyl. Artiodactyls are even : toed ungulates (or hoofed mammals), like cows, pigs and hippopotamus. Elephants are ungulates, but they are not artiodactyls. Therefore, they are distant relatives of whales, but cows and pigs are closer to whales than they are. Nevertheless, there are links between elephants and whales. Researcher Hal Whitehead has found many interesting resemblance in life : style between elephants and sperm whales. You can read a portrait of this researcher on our site. To read more about the recent discoveries regarding whale evolution, I suggest this article : On the Nature Science Update website : Almost like a whale Thank you for your question!

	Machkour		3 May 2001 15 : 10
	Do narwhals really exist?
	Our answer	Legends of unicorns and images of the magnificent treasures of the Germanic Holy Roman Empire dating back to 1030 could lead us to think that narwhals belong to a world of make : believe, and that, if they did at one time exist, they do no longer. Yet, scientists and inhabitants of the Great White North have proof : these strange animals do still exist. The 30 000 remaining narwhals swim the waters of the Arctic Circle in an area larger than all of Europe. In Canada, they spend the winter in Baffin Bay and Davis Straight, between Baffin Island and Greenland. In summer they migrate to Lancaster Straight, passing north of Bylot Island. They have been hunted for 4000 years for their meat, their blubber and their hide, but mostly for their long tooth which can be worth as much as $ 450 per metre. It is this tooth that is the root of the unicorn legend and the origin of the narwhal "s nickname "unicorn of the sea". The tooth is in fact the left canine of the male narwhal. It pierces the upper lip and grows into a long, ivory spiral that can attain 2.7 metres in length. So, although the narwhal of the distant Arctic seas is the closest relative of the unicorn, it actually exists!

	Steve		19 April 2001 15 : 50
	Why are whales so big?
	Our answer	It is true that the largest living animal is the blue whale. Equally, marine mammals as a group, and cetaceans in particular, are large animals. Why are cetaceans so big? Essentially it "s a question of heat conservation. As a rule, all marine mammals must maintain a constant body temperature. Seeing as how water conducts heat 25 times faster than air, a whale must be able to conserve body heat very efficiently. Heat is lost through the contact of the skin with cold water, therefore one very good way of conserving heat is to have a small area of skin exposed in proportion with the volume of the body. As skin area increases slower than the volume of an animal, for an equivalent shape, the larger the animal, the smaller the surface/volume ratio. It is therefore a definite advantage to be big in order to conserve heat. As well, water being 1000 times more dense than air, it supports the weight of the animal. This allows animals weighing as much as 135 tonnes to live in water, while on land they would simply be crushed by the weight of their own body.

	Peter		12 April 2001 12 : 20
	How do whales recognize each other?
	Our answer	In order to tell individual whales apart, researchers use natural markings such as scars or dorsal fin shapes. However, we do not know if whales use the same visual clues to recognize each other. In their world it is often dark or the water is murky, rendering visual signals uncertain at best. Several studies have demonstrated that at least some species of whales use acoustic signals for identification purposes. As an example, fish eating killer whales off Vancouver Island form very stable family groups. Each group uses a unique dialect, allowing them to identify group members, maintain group cohesion and co : ordinate their activities. In the case of the bottlenose dolphin, each animal develops a unique signature whistle in the first two years of life that will characterize it for the rest of its days. This signal appears to be particularly useful for maintaining ties between individuals, such as mother and young who stay together from three to six years. Female sperm whales also form social groups. They emit rhythmical clicking sounds that researchers refer to as codas. Codas could possibly be useful for individual animals to identify themselves as belonging to one specific group. I want to know more Photo : identification : Whales have a face! Communication : Music to swim by

	Eliza		30 March 2001 15 : 38
	First off, I would like to congratulate you on your website that allows fans like myself to have access to loads of information about marine mammals. My question is as follows : Is it true that dolphins do not perceive colours, with the exception of a bluish luminosity? If this is the case, can you explain their underwater and aerial vision. Thank you
	Our answer	The retina of most cetaceans contains two types of photoreceptors : rods and cones. Cone type photoreceptors are what allow us to perceive colour. However, for cetaceans, colour vision does not appear to be very well developed. Rather, the cones, in combination with the rods, help to maximise the whale "s sensitivity to light, maximise their perception of light contrasts (very useful for detecting prey) and adapt to changes in light wavelengths (colour) depending on depth. As light penetrates water, the colour red is absorbed within the first 10 m, orange and yellow disappear between 10 and 20 m, green and blue between 20 and 30 m leaving only violet. Light also loses its energy as it penetrates water; it gets darker the deeper you go. Cetaceans are well adapted for seeing at depth : their photoreceptors, very dense and numerous, are particularly receptive to bluish light (the light that penetrates deepest in water). As well, they have a reflective layer behind the retina, the tapetum, that reflects light that was not initially absorbed. This is the same membrane that make a cat "s eyes shine in the night. Unlike us, cetaceans also have good visual acuity under water, they see just as well close up as far away. In air they can resolve the problem of myopia (near : sightedness) by contracting the pupil to the size of a pin hole. Thus they have the same visual acuity in air as underwater, as demonstrated by the precision of their jumps and their ability to leap accurately to targets placed above the surface.

	Theo		20 March 2001 13 : 06
	Do dolphins swim fast?
	Our answer	Among cetaceans, the dolphin is considered a fast swimmer. The pantropical spotted dolphin has been clocked at 40 km/h, and the Pacific bottlenosed dolphin, at 30 km/h. Considering that water is 1 000 times more dense than air, you could say that dolphins swim fast. For years scientists were intrigued by the speed of dolphins. Numerous studies attempted to clarify how dolphins could swim so fast with seemingly little effort. Scientists have since shed some light on this mystery. Recent studies demonstrate that we had overestimated the speed of dolphins. Also, most of the timing had been done on dolphins that were following boats, taking advantage of extra impetus. The maximum speed that dolphins can maintain over long periods of time is around 15 km/h. This apparent ability to swim at relatively high speeds is simply related to a perfect adaptation to the marine environment. What swimmer has never dreamed of having the hydrodynamic shape of a dolphin!

	Stephanie		16 March 2001 11 : 48
	If all of the whales of the St. Lawrence were grouped together into one whale, how much would it weigh?
	Our answer	Let "s use the beluga, the only whale that is a permanent resident of the St. Lawrence, as an example. The average weight of a beluga whale is 1 tonne, and the St. Lawrence population is estimated at around 1000 individuals. The total weight of St. Lawrence belugas is then 1000 tonnes, or 1 000 000 kilograms. Imagine if we included the twelve other species of whales that visit the St. Lawrence! Biologists often use this type of calculation in their studies. It is referred to as the "biomass". The biomass is used to calculate the growth and size of a population in a given area. It is also used to determine fishing quotas and optimal densities for fish farms. Biomass : the total mass of living organisms present at one time in a clearly defined area. I want to know more The thirteen species of the St. Lawrence

	Jeni		8 March 2001 13 : 40
	How many fins do whales have, and what purposes do they serve?
	Our answer	Whales generally have 4 fins : two pectoral fins (instead of arms), one caudal fin (also referred to as the tail fin or flukes) and a dorsal fin. The two pectoral fins serve as rudders and stabilisers for the whales. The caudal fin is used for propulsion. Dorsal fins have different functions depending on the species. For certain species of whales (ex. : the right whale and the narwhal), the dorsal fin has disappeared. For other species (ex. : the blue whale and the sperm whale), this fin is so small that it really no longer serves any function at all. For the beluga whale, the dorsal fin has been transformed into a dorsal crest that allows the whale to break thin ice in order to surface and breathe. For other, faster species (ex. : dolphins, killer whales and porpoises), large dorsal fins contribute to their "hydrodynamic" shape; allowing them to slide more easily through the water. As with an elephant "s ears or a dog "s tongue, dorsal fins, caudal fins and pectoral fins also allow whales to eliminate excess body heat in times of intense physical activity, like when they are hunting.

	Mel Cook		20 February 2001 16 : 44
	Is late August/ early Sept a good time for whale watching ? If so, what are the popular species? Hope you can help Regards Mel Cook
	Our answer	Late August/early September is certainly a good time for whale watching in the St. Lawrence. Thirteen species of cetaceans can be seen in the St. Lawrence waters during the summer time. By consulting the archives of the Whale news network, you can look up the main sightings of past seasons. Come and meet the naturalists at the CIMM when you get to Tadoussac and ask them for the most recent whale news. I want to know more How to prepare for a cruise Map : where to go whale watching at sea ? Map : where to go whale watching from shore?

	STEVE		7 February 2001 16 : 59
	WHAT IS THE FEMALE WHALE KNOWN AS?
	Our answer	It is simply called "a female whale" or sometimes a "cow". A baby whale is a calf.

	Katie		5 February 2001 19 : 50
	I am doing a research project on the whales of the St. Lawrence River and I need to know more about the following : : breeding habits : present environment : scientific studies Can you please send me a bit more information about these topics ASAP!!!! Thanks
	Our answer	Hi Katie, Breeding habits : The only whale that breeds within the St. Lawrence waters is the beluga. All the other species use the St. Lawrence only as a feeding ground. Scientists don "t know a lot about the breeding habits of the St. Lawrence beluga. Nobody knows where they breed exactly. Females have only one baby at a time. Gestation lasts 12 to 15 months, and females nurse their young for 20 to 30 months. They can have a baby every three years. They can start to reproduce at about 4 to 7 years old, and they are fertile for about 14 years. Males are able to start to reproduce at around 8 to 9 years old. The mating season is between April and June. The females give birth between June and September. To know more about the whales of the St. Lawrence, read their Also access related fact sheets . To read about migration, go to Where do the giants go? Environment : To learn more about the St. Lawrence Estuary and why it is such an interesting habitat for hungry whales, go to The Lower Estuary, a plankton trap? Scientific studies : To see a list of a variety of scientific studies on the whales of the St. Lawrence, with access to summary sheets for each of them, go to Research projects

	Rebecca		19 December 2000 20 : 23
	When whales dive deeply, do their lungs collapse? How does this affect buoyancy?
	Our answer	Pressure when diving is one of the major constraints whales had to evolve with in the marine environment. As a whale dives, every 10 m of depth adds another atmosphere of pressure on the animal. Fin whales, for example, regularly dive to 100 m of depth, whereas male sperm whales dive to 2 000 or even 3 000 m. That is 300 atmospheres of pressure! Of course, this increase in pressure makes their lungs collapse, and this affects buoyancy. From positive near the surface, it becomes negative when the lungs are collapsed. While their body is made to sustain this pressure, marine mammals don "t just cope with the situation, they take advantage of it. A recent study showed that different species of seals and cetaceans stopped swimming and started gliding or sinking at a certain depth, presumably once their lungs had collapsed and their buoyancy had become negative. It is a strategy that allows them to save energy, and therefore conserve oxygen while at depth.

	Silvia		9 December 2000 04 : 09
	Dear researcher What about the impacts of tagging (non : invasive and invasive) on fin whales? Do you know anything about the risks for their health? Who is a specialist on this subject? Thank you for your kind answer and your help! Silvia
	Our answer	Dear Silvia, Evaluating the risks of using an invasive technique to study any species, particularly a protected species, is a very important question, but not an easy one to tackle. It is important to balance the risks and the benefits, that is to make sure that the project will allow researchers to gain access to key information to protect the species, while having minimal negative impact on the animals studied. The tagging of fin whales allowed us to better understand the daily activity budget of fin whales, and the impact of whale watching on their behaviour. It is essential to document the potential effects of whale watching on this species, especially since the same animals come back to this major feeding ground year after year, and since fin whales are the major target for the important whale : watching industry in the area. The findings showed that in fact the number of boats around the animals has an impact on the behaviour of fin whales feeding at depth. The animals spend less time at depth, and feed less efficiently, when there are numerous boats at the surface. These findings where incorporated into the new regulations planned by the Saguenay : St. Lawrence Marine Park to control whale : watching activities, thereby ensuring that the needs of the fin whales will be better respected. As for the potential effects of the tagging itself on the fin whales, we chose to have tags that attached to the animal with a suction cup, so as to virtually eliminate the potential health risks involved. We also monitored the behaviour of the fin whales just prior, during and after the deployment of the tag, which involved getting within 5 m of the animal and putting the tag on the back of the animal using a long pole. The fin whales had minor or no reaction immediately after tagging, and then seemed to return to their pre : tagging behaviour. Similarly, we developped a decision framework for the use of an invasive research technique on a protected animal species, based on the case study of taking biopsy samples from St. Lawrence beluga whales. Click on the "Does it hurt " button on the Biopsy page to read more about that work. I want to know more Do whale : watching boats disturb the whales? Also access related scientific papers. What do fin whales do during the day? And at night? Also access related scientific papers. What are the whale : watching boats doing? Also access related scientific papers. Telemetry

	Pierre		21 July 2000 12 : 22
	How many different species of whales exist in the whole world?
	Our answer	Dear Pierre, There are approximately 80 species of cetaceans in the whole world. That includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. Why do we say "approximately"? Certain species have rarely been observed, and others are the subject of debates among specialists. For example, some scientists believe that the right whale is but one species, and others recognize the existence of two species, the Northern right whale and the Southern right whale. Discover more about the species found in the St. Lawrence by going on the page " The 13 whales of the St. Lawrence", in the section "See the whales".

	shawn		16 July 2000 20 : 43
	Why do whales beach themselves? Is it true that whales commit suicide?
	Our answer	Whales are sometimes already deceased before stranding. A whale will often float several days after it has died. The carcass is then carried by currents and tides and can end up stranded on a beach. On occasion, live whales can also become stranded, most often in groups. These strandings are still very mysterious. Do they go off course because of variations in the Earth "s magnetic field? Do they follow a wounded fellow? Are they suffering from a disease that affects their sense of direction? Did the tide take them by surprise? Whatever the reason, collective strandings are quite rare and probably have multiple causes. They probably do not intend to die, and so we can not say that they commit suicide.