It may be hard to believe, but Newfoundland and Labrador is home to a turtle! The Leatherback Sea Turtle are migrating species, and like whales, they travel along our coasts throughout summer to forage before returning south to breed. Atlantic Canada has a predictable abundance of jellyfish, and therefore hosts one of the highest densities of foraging Leatherback Sea Turtles. Unfortunately for human viewing, Leatherbacks will never be found onshore in Newfoundland, as they stay out in the ocean snacking on jellies!

Leatherback Sea Turtles is 1 of only 7 species of marine turtles in the world. As per their name, they have a leathery shell, differing from the “typical” bony shells of other species of turtles (including the other 6 marine species). The shell is shaped like a teardrop with 7 distinct dorsal ridges tapering at the tail. Leatherback Sea Turtles are bluish-black in colour with scattered white blotches and have very large paddle-shaped front flippers. Each adult has a uniquely patterned “pink spot” on the top of the head, which is believed to play a role in prompting migration by responding to seasonal changes in daylight. The adult Atlantic population of Leatherback Sea Turtles that frequent our waters have an average curved carapace (shell) length of approximately 1.5 metres and an average weight of approximately 400 kg. As their diet consists mainly of jellyfish, the throat and the esophagus of Leatherbacks are covered with spines which is an adaptation to assist in swallowing the slippery jellies.

The North Atlantic Right Whale is a migratory whale that has been making its way in Atlantic waters more frequently in recent years. This baleen whale (also termed “toothless whale”) migrates to Northern waters to feast on our abundance of prey, primarily microscopic crustaceans named copepods. They may remain in our waters throughout Fall, Summer, and Spring. In Winter months, female Right Whales travel to the coastal areas of Florida and Georgia for calving. Calving takes place every 2 to 6 years, birthing just one calf. North Atlantic Right Whales can live at least 75 years. Unfortunately, this whale is one of the most endangered whales on the planet with only approximately 411 (2018 survey) whales remaining in its global population.

Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish whale species from one another, especially from looking afar. There are some unique characteristics which make North Atlantic Right Whales easier to spot: wide tail flukes and narrow tailstock, large flippers and no fin on its back (no dorsal fin), black skin, though some right whales have white patches on the throat or belly, rough white patches of skin called callosities on their head, chin and sometimes on the edge of their lower lips. Each whale’s callosity pattern is unique, allowing scientists to recognize individual whales.

The surrounding waters of Newfoundland and Labrador are home to three of four species of Wolffish: Atlantic (Striped), Spotted, and Northern. All three species have overlapping habitats and similar threats so they are combined when determining their recovery strategy. Wolffish species are ecologically important as their primary diet is sea urchins (though also includes brittlestars, crab, shrimp, and other crustaceans). A decrease in wolffish population therefore can attribute to an increase in sea urchins, which poses a threat to the entire ecosystem as over abundance of sea urchins can result in an “urchin barren”. Sea urchins feed on kelp and seaweed, large masses of urchins can forage entire kelp beds, removing habitat for breeding, recruitment and hiding areas for young from predators. Urchin barrens affect all species, including commercially important species such as cod, lobster, and crab.

Know your wolfish

The Atlantic Wolffish is the most abundant of the three species found throughout the province, they are also commonly found both inshore and offshore unlike the other two species which predominately remain offshore. The head is large relative to the body, with vertical stripes on fins and body. Juveniles are yellowish brown with olive green fins, and adults range from yellowish brown to slate/purplish blue. Flesh is firm.

Northern Wolffish is commonly found the most offshore than the other two species. The head is small relative to the body. Pectoral fins and gill openings are also small. The body colour is more uniform for all sizes, ranging from dark grey to dark brown to purplish black. Indistinct dark spots are possible, but rare. Flesh is jelly-like.

Spotted Wolffish’s head is large relative to the body, with dark spots on fins and body. Juveniles are greyish brown (sometimes with a purplish colour), and adults range from yellowish brown to greyish brown to dark brown. Flesh is firm.