Whale aerial surveys with MICS

2019

The Mingan Island Cetacean Study (MICS) is a research station in Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, on the North shore of the Gulf of St Lawrence. Its mission is to study and identify whales in extensive seasonal surveys of the Jacques Cartier Passage and the Mingan Island archipelago. Richard Sears founded the station in 1975 and every Summer since, marine biologists and students have been working at this amazing institute. We are privileged to collaborate with a passionate team of scientists.

In Summer 2019, Parafilms participated in the SCAR project, a government-funded initiative. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) delivers a special permit to biologist Christian Ramp from MICS for a complete aerial survey. The objective is to identify fin whales and blue whales by using drones to capture hi-resolution aerial shots. Additionally, top views display entanglement or anthropologic wounds the whales may suffer.

By flying over the whales, we also witness unique behaviours, impossible to perceive at surface level, like social interactions and feeding habits. The images give a whole new perspective on these fascinating cetaceans.

Appel du Golfe web series

Episode 3 : Whales