A ringtone to demonstrate your love of the beluga whale!

To celebrate Earth Day, the Saguenay−St. Lawrence Marine Park is launching the “beluga” ringtone. The St. Lawrence beluga is an endangered species whose population is estimated at 889 individuals. During the summer, the beluga whale frequents the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park to feed, socialize, and rest. The protected area also includes several locations where females give birth to and care for their young.

Nicknamed the “sea canary”, the beluga whale emits a great variety of sounds such as whistling, grunting and barking in order to communicate, orient itself and hunt. The beluga has a well-developed hearing, because it cannot use its sight in the darkness of the marine depths. For the newborn, communication with the mother is mainly through sound. Hearing takes an important place in the realisation of the beluga vital activities. Thus, it is essential to protect their sound environment for the recovery of this population.

Below you will find four sound clips recorded at various locations in the Marine Park. This is only an overview of the diversity of communication of this species! Some of these sounds are associated with communication (whistling) or location (clicks).

The Marine Park wants to raise awareness of the importance of sound communication for this endangered species. Demonstrate your commitment to its protection by adopting the “beluga” ringtone on your mobile device.

To learn more about the St. Lawrence beluga, the measures taken for its protection and the natural and cultural riches of the Marine Park, see the sections protect and get to know.