Dates: Early 1980s (Calypso) and 1999 (Alcyone)
Purpose: To explore the marine and freshwater ecosystems of the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes, document the impacts of human activity on these fragile environments, and engage with Indigenous communities to highlight their ecological knowledge and struggles.
Expedition Overview
The Cousteau team’s journey through Canada was an extraordinary exploration of one of the world’s largest freshwater systems and its surrounding marine environments. Beginning with the St. Lawrence River and traveling through the Great Lakes, the expedition combined breathtaking underwater discoveries with sobering realities about pollution, overfishing, and the declining health of marine and freshwater ecosystems.
The team encountered the majestic beluga and blue whales in the nutrient-rich waters of the St. Lawrence Gulf, explored ancient shipwrecks, and uncovered unique geological phenomena. On land, they connected with Indigenous communities whose ancestral ties to the region offered insights into sustainable living and the impacts of colonial policies.
Despite the challenges of extreme weather, icy conditions, and environmental degradation, the Cousteau team captured the beauty and fragility of Canada’s ecosystems through groundbreaking films and detailed scientific investigations.
Key Findings
1. Marine Life in the St. Lawrence and Saguenay Fjord
- Whale Encounters: The Gulf of St. Lawrence, teeming with nutrients and plankton, is a gathering place for whales, including fin whales, blue whales, and belugas. The team documented extraordinary scenes of these marine giants surrounding their Zodiac boats in unprecedented numbers.
- Beluga Decline: By the 1980s, beluga populations in the St. Lawrence had dwindled to a few hundred from an estimated 5,000 in the early 20th century due to pollution and habitat destruction. Efforts by Canadian conservation groups led to the establishment of a reserve and a whale-watching industry to support conservation.
2. Geological and Ecological Phenomena
- Saguenay Fjord Discovery: In the fjord, the team found a “lens” of pure seawater beneath 15 meters of freshwater, enabling rich marine life to thrive far from the ocean. Through the portholes of the Diving Saucer, they observed countless jellyfish, resembling snowflakes, drifting through the crystal-clear saltwater.
- Great Lakes Ecosystems: The expedition revealed stark contrasts between the pristine and polluted areas of the Great Lakes. While Lake Superior remained relatively untouched, Lake Erie had become a “cesspool” due to industrial pollution and sediment accumulation.
3. Indigenous Communities and Ecological Knowledge
- Mingan Indians: The Cousteau team visited the Mingan people of Quebec, whose ancestral fishing rights had been curtailed. Through conversations and shared meals, the team highlighted the deep ecological understanding of Indigenous communities and their struggles to preserve their lands and traditions.
4. Pollution and Overfishing
- Industrial Impact: The Great Lakes faced severe pollution from industrial waste, with Lake Erie’s sediment measuring up to 125 feet thick. Acid rain and toxic chemicals compounded the damage, threatening aquatic life and human livelihoods.
- Overfishing: Declines in fish populations, such as trout, were linked to overfishing and invasive species like the sea lamprey. Conservation efforts included chemical treatments and the introduction of hybrid species like splake to restore fish stocks.
Highlights
1. Films and Advocacy
- “St. Lawrence: Giants of the River”: This film captured the vibrant marine life of the St. Lawrence, including awe-inspiring footage of fin whales and belugas.
- “Canada: Frozen Frontiers”: Documenting the harsh conditions and resilience of life in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence, this film emphasized the urgency of protecting these vital ecosystems.
2. Shipwreck Exploration
- The team explored several shipwrecks, including the Empress of Ireland in the St. Lawrence River and other sunken vessels in the Great Lakes. These wrecks served as time capsules, revealing stories of human tragedy and resilience.
3. Indigenous Collaboration
- By engaging with the Mingan and other Indigenous communities, the team underscored the importance of traditional ecological knowledge in addressing modern conservation challenges.
Challenges Encountered
1. Harsh Weather and Icy Conditions
- The expedition faced freezing temperatures, ice-clogged waterways, and equipment failures. Calypso endured heavy icing, with over 10 centimeters accumulating on the ship in some areas.
2. Environmental Degradation
- The team witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of pollution and overfishing on Canada’s freshwater ecosystems. Industrial waste, invasive species, and acid rain posed significant threats to biodiversity.
3. Navigational Hazards
- The St. Lawrence and Great Lakes presented formidable challenges, including fog, strong currents, and submerged hazards. These conditions tested the crew’s skills and endurance.
Conclusion
The Canada expedition illuminated the intricate interplay between natural ecosystems, human activity, and cultural heritage. From the nutrient-rich waters of the St. Lawrence Gulf to the icy expanses of the Great Lakes, the Cousteau team revealed both the beauty and fragility of these environments.
Through films, advocacy, and collaboration with Indigenous communities, the expedition raised awareness of the urgent need for conservation. Canada’s ecosystems, rich in biodiversity and cultural significance, remain a powerful reminder of the balance required between human development and environmental stewardship.
