Title: 40 years of science … for the future of belugas 

Biography 

Pierre Béland: Always interested in discovery and the acquisition of knowledge, I was a researcher in paleo-ecology (dinosaurs) and in marine ecology (models) before being caught by a beluga stranded on the shore of the Saint-Lawrence. I took 20 years, but came out alive. Author in several disciplines, I am full of gratitude for what life has given me. Currently Canadian Chair of the International Joint Commission which has jurisdiction over the boundary waters between Canada and the United States, where we seek to predict how climate change will play out from coast to coast. Belugas, warning! 

Robert Michaud: As a young biologist, I wanted to study large rorquals. In 1985, I was drawn in by the curiosity and questions of Pierre Béland: where do belugas live?, what do they do? Why are they so contaminated and sick? Since then, I have led a small research team, the GREMM, and we have multiplied projects and collaborations to try to better understand and protect belugas. The adventure continues and it is more and more exciting. Please note that the pleasure increases with use.