Research Document - 2001/115

Oil and Gas Exploration in the Southeastern Gulf of St. Lawrence: A review of information on pinnipeds and cetaceans in the area

By M.O. Hammill, V. Lesage, Y. Dubé and L.N. Measures

Abstract

Information on pinnipeds (seals) and cetaceans (whales) in the proposed region of oil and gas exploration in the southeastern Gulf of St. Lawrence were summarized. Cabot Strait is an important migratory corridor for marine mammals moving in and out of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Other major features of the area include seasonal ice cover which provides a platform for pinniped reproduction and limits access of marine mammals (primarily cetaceans) to the Gulf of St. Lawrence during winter months. The presence of large canyons in the Gulf, and particularly the Cape Breton Trough near Cheticamp are important foraging areas for cetaceans.

Four pinniped species are common to the area: harp, hooded, grey and harbour seals. General knowledge on population abundance, whelping areas, distribution, and diet are available for these animals, but specific (local) at sea distribution, relative abundance and local diet information in the area are needed. Harbour seals form the basis of a seal-watching industry on the east coast of Prince Edward Island.

At least 15 whale species may occur or pass through Cabot Strait. Six are abundant regular visitors. Fin, Minke, Humpback, and Pilot whales, White-sided dolphins, and Harbour porpoise are seen regularly, while low numbers of Right whales regularly transit the area. The area appears to be particularly important for Pilot Whales and this species forms the basis of whale-watching activities on western Cape Breton Island. Overall, a major knowledge gap is a lack of information on species present, abundance, seasonal occupation, seasonal movements and diet of whales in the southeastern Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Seismic activity could cause physical damage to hearing, result in distribution changes due to noise or changes in food distribution. Increases in strandings have been linked to increases in man-made noise production. Pilot whales, a species that often strands in the area, would appear to be particularly vulnerable.

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