Blanc Sablon, Quebec, Week 4

I spent this week working on a variety of tasks related to the Marine Species at Risk program. Tuesday was spent researching information on the different skate species living in the waters surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador. I had to go through all of the different species and identify which ones are the most common in the area and which should be included in the new identification key I will be putting together in the coming weeks.

Wednesday I worked on improving the shark sampling guide for the fishermen. This guide is to help fisherman identify sharks, collect data and perform limited autopsies on dead specimens caught as by-catch. The types photos to take, which teeth to remove, how much backbone to remove, how to remove the stomach, and what to do with the samples once collected. All information critical to learning more about sharks.

Thursday I sat down with Trish and we developed a work plan for me for the next month. I also went through the assignments I was required to complete for college. That afternoon I prepared a Killer Whale photo identification fact sheet for the logbooks that are given to the fishermen. It included the importance of taking photographs, what photos should be taken if they see a Killer whale such as what side to take the photo from, etc.

Friday I constructed three detailed fact sheets on the Whale shark, the Mako shark and the Thresher shark. These three sharks are thought to be new species in the waters around here and so there are no fact sheets on them. During the day Mary Letto came into the office and she told me that Craig had the Skidoo (snowmobile) fixed and that I could collect it after work. I couldn’t wait. It was going to be the first time I have ever driven a Skidoo. Not only was I going to drive it but Craig had fixed it just so I could use it during the remaining time I was here in Blanc Sablon. This was very nice of him! Craig showed me how to start it, so I hoped on and took it for a test drive. It felt great. I can finally get around town. Saturday I spent the afternoon getting a feel for the skidoo. I got it stuck twice.

Sunday morning Mary and Craig invited me for a drive along the coast of Labrador, so I jumped at the opportunity. We drove down the coast to a place called West Saint Modeste and the whole way there was magnificent scenery. Every time we went over a hill or around a bend there was a breath taking view in front the entire time. When we got back I went off on the skidoo and then went home.