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Are digital
bathymetric data available for the St. Lawrence? |
A : |
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The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) is responsible for
the collection and processing of bathymetric data and for
the production of nautical charts and related publications
essential for the safe navigation in Canadian waters. Digital
data are distributed under a trademark by Nautical Data International
Inc.(NDI). The range of digital products includes raster (digitized
paper charts) and vector (S-57 format) charts.
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Q : |
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Where does
the St. Lawrence River water become salty? |
A : |
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The St. Lawrence River becomes an estuary around Ile d'Orléans
near Quebec City. In that area, the water is slightly brackish
as the river's freshwater comes in contact with ocean waters
from the Atlantic and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
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Q : |
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Heading upstream,
how far can we observe tides on the St. Lawrence River? |
A : |
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Tides
can be observed daily as far as Lac Saint-Pierre up the St.
Lawrence River. |
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Q : |
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Where can we
see the highest tides on the St. Lawrence? |
A : |
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The
highest tides can be observed in the île aux Coudres area
and can reach an amplitude of 7 meters during periods of high
tides. |
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Q : |
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How many vessels
use the St. Lawrence each year? |
A : |
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According
to Canadian Coast Guard statistics, between 6000 and 7000 vessel
mouvements are noted in the St. Lawrence ports each year. |
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Q : |
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How long is
Canada's coastline? |
A : |
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Canada
has the longest coastline of any country in the world. It is
equal to 6 times the distance to go around the planet. |
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Q : |
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How can we
tell the age of marine animals? |
A : |
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As
rings can be observed on tree stumps, growth rings are visible
on certain structures of many marine organisms. Fish otoliths
(mineral structure of the inner ear) and also fish scales are
used for ageing purposes. Similarly, the teeth of marine mammals
(ex: seals) and the shells of molluscs (ex: scallops) are used
to determine their age. |
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Q : |
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What is aquaculture? |
A : |
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Aquaculture
is the farming of aquatic and marine organisms, including fish,
molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants. |
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Q : |
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What are the
most commonly caught fish and crustacean species in Quebec? |
A : |
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The
most commonly caught fish species are cod, Atlantic and Greenland
(turbot) halibut, American plaice, herring, mackerel and eel.
Snow crab, shrimp and lobster are the most widely fished crustacean
in Quebec. |
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