Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are microscopic organisms found in both fresh water and salt water. There are various types of cyanobacteria, some of which are capable of producing harmful toxins known as cyanotoxins. As a result of human activity and climate change, cyanobacteria are expanding rapidly, and with potential consequences for the health of humans and any living organism exposed to them.
Technological advancements over the last few decades have changed the way researchers monitor wildlife species. Satellite tracking, for example, has rapidly become an indispensable tool for obtaining data on animal movements, reproduction, and survival.
Nanoplastics come from plastic waste (macroplastics), such as consumer products or tire fragments on the roads (microplastics), which degrade over time into fine plastic particles in the environment.
Environmental DNA is an innovative method used to detect different species in the aquatic environment. Similar to barcodes used to identify items at the grocery store, eDNA allows biologists to identify different aquatic species through their unique genetic fingerprint. By releasing cells and other biological material such as skin particles, mucus, urine and feces into the environment, scientists are able to identify a species with its eDNA.
The shores of the St. Lawrence offer beautiful swimming sites. Several sites that were abandoned in the past due to poor water quality are now accessible again for the enjoyment of young and old.
The St. Lawrence is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world with over 5,000 ships using this passage every year, which increase the risk of collision with marine mammals. How to reconcile navigation and marine life protection?
The 7th edition of the St. Lawrence Forum, which took place on May 11, 13 and 18 under the theme "science at the service of decision-makers ", attracted more than 230 participants from various sectors.
To date, there are still very few studies on the presence of cancer drugs in the St. Lawrence. Since this is a subject of interest to our scientists, they have decided to conduct research to evaluate the impact of these substances on aquatic organisms.
The governments of Canada and Quebec are announcing an investment of $39 million and $25 million respectively for the five-year period 2021-2026.
Two atlases have been produced to give local communities the tools they need to conserve natural areas in the St. Lawrence.
