code Béluga - A community science project on the biodiversity of the St. Lawrence River

Espace pour la vie and Génome Québec invite the public

to take part in a community-science activity whose aim is a better understanding of the state of biodiversity in the St. Lawrence River Estuary through analysis of the environmental DNA (eDNA) contained in a simple water sample.

At the heart of this project lies the beluga, an emblematic sentinel species in Québec.

On the banks of the St. Lawrence River Estuary, the public is invited to collect samples of water containing environmental eDNA, using a protocol developed by Génome Québec and guided by the Biodôme’s education team.

The samples will be analyzed at Génome Québec’s Centre d’expertise et de services.

The results will afterwards be made available both for research purposes and to the general public.

How to take part: sampling dates and site

La Malbaie

Centre Écologique de Port-au-Saumon

• July 5: 9 am to 3 pm
• August 23: 1 to 6 pm

Cacouna

Pointe de Cacouna Ktopeqonok

• July 5: 9 am to 2 pm
• August 23: 1 to 6 pm

Tadoussac

Centre d’interprétation des mammifères marins

• July 6: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
• August 24: 1 to 6 pm

Rimouski

Parc national du Bic

The sampling site is located inside Sépaq's Parc national du Bic, via the entrance to the Cap-à-l'Orignal sector. Daily access fees apply.

• July 6: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
• August 24: 1 to 6 pm

code Beluga, an initiative of Génome Québec and Espace pour la vie