Unique Biodiversity in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a French overseas territory in cold waters.
It comprises two islands: Saint-Pierre (most populated) and Miquelon-Langlade (largest and wildest).
The archipelago has a unique boreal forest in France, and diverse marine and terrestrial fauna and flora.
Thierry, a photographer, counts whales and documents their presence.
He and Sylvie, from the Archipelago Environmental Centre, observed humpback whales in the channel between the islands.
Thierry found humpback whales to be friendly.
Humpback whales migrate to colder waters in summer to feed on capelin (their favorite food).
Whale populations fluctuate annually.
Thierry and Sylvie worry about plastic waste affecting filter-feeding whales.
Plastic pollution levels are reported to be as high as any other coastal area worldwide.

Seal populations near Miquelon are increasing due to 15 years of protection.
The area supports grey seals, common seals, guillemots, and little penguins.
A new species, the fulmar, has been identified.
White-beaked dolphins are present between May and October, indicating a healthy ecosystem.
This archipelago is home to the largest seal colony in France.
Hares populate the hills, and puffins arrive in summer.
Introduced Virginia deer are found in the south of Miquelon.
A reserve houses nearly 300 bird species, showcasing significant biodiversity.

Bruno, the head of hunting, manages specific species.
Waterfowl hunting season regulations are strictly enforced.
Black ducks are protected and not hunted.
Hunting regulations for Virginia deer limit each hunter to one deer per year.
Deer overgrazing impacts forest regeneration.
The Grand Colombier, near Saint-Pierre, supports over 10,000 puffins (the largest colony in France) and numerous little penguin nests.
Marion, a biology student, studies human impact on nesting birds via blood sampling.
Data will assess populations and pollutant/climate change effects.

Rising North Atlantic temperatures are concerning.
Scientists in Saint-Pierre are measuring changing ocean temperatures through unprecedented experiments.
Recording ocean temperature is critical to understanding climate change impacts on the marine environment.
Researchers aim to understand the baseline environment before documenting long-term changes.
Wave recorder (houlographe) measurements will assess wave movement and potential wave energy use for electricity.
Shifting species like orcas and albacore tuna suggest ocean temperature changes.

Philippe Poupon and Géraldine Danon's "Fleur Austral" is a round-the-world journey, focusing on global warming effects.
Their voyage documents climate change, conservation, and planet beauty.
The focus is on positive change, rather than negativity.
"Fleur Austral" carries instruments to measure ocean temperature and salinity.
Data gathered is shared with environmental researchers.
The expedition explores remote areas like Antarctica and the Arctic, gathering scientific data.

Saint-Pierre's meteorological station records temperature, snowfall, wind, and precipitation.
Temperatures have risen since 1999 (equipment upgrade).
Historical records reveal past warmer periods, making climate change trends ambiguous.
Comprehensive weather data is crucial for accurate climate change assessment.

A record 28°C temperature was recorded in Saint-Pierre in 2013 (higher than typical 17°C max).
Unusual warm winters and reduced fog have occurred.
The archipelago is vulnerable to storms and high tides.
A 20-centimeter rise in sea level was recorded in a 1980 tidal surge.
A "century tide" in 2015 caused widespread damage.
A March storm surge, combining with astronomical tide, resulted in a nearly 3-meter high tide threat.
A tide gauge monitors real-time sea level changes.
Measures like raised quays, protective walls, and coastal reinforcement are in place.
The airport (especially the lower runway) is vulnerable.
A 3D risk assessment software simulates disasters like flooding and tsunamis.

Miquelon's lower elevation and flatter terrain make it more susceptible to sea level rise than Saint-Pierre.
The isthmus linking Miquelon to Langlade is threatened by rising sea levels (formed in the late 1700s).
Mirande, a village on a narrow strip, faces significant threats from rising seas and storms.
Erosion due to rising sea levels is harming the shoreline.

Axel, a Saint-Pierre biology student, study's the largest seal colony in the Grand Barachois lagoon.
The archipelago features a unique boreal forest, plant life, and carnivorous flora.
Rising sea levels compromise the archipelago's pristine environment.
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are relatively pristine and limited in pollution impacts.
The archipelago offers natural beauty amidst climate change challenges.