Cetacean Use of Shallow Lobster Fishing Areas in Southern Gaspé (2019–2024): Relevance for North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis, Müller 1776) Protection Measures in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis, Müller 1776) is a critically endangered species threatened by vessel strikes and gear entanglement, like other large whales. In southern Gaspé Peninsula, lobster fishers face the challenge of balancing their fishing activities with protection measures for right whales as implemented by DFO. To gather data on cetacean presence and distribution, including the North Atlantic right whale, the Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspésie (RPPSG) launched a cetacean inventory program. Surveys were conducted annually (2019-2024) along the southern coast of the Gaspé Peninsula in lobster fishing areas ranging from 0 to 37 meters in depth. A total of 541 cetacean sightings were recorded between 2019 and 2024, with behavioral data collected by experienced marine mammal observers. The study revealed the presence of four species of piscivorous cetaceans : minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata, Lacepede 1804), harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena, Linnaeus 1758), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae, Borowski 1781) and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus, Linnaeus 1758). Spatial and temporal variations in the areas use appear associated with food resource availability. No North Atlantic right whales were sighted in this lobster fishing areas. This study highlights the potential of fisher-led initiatives to support scientific research.