Yves Jean

Yves Jean serves as Professor of Environmental Sciences in the Department of Science and Technology at TÉLUQ University, holding this position since 1986 while currently overseeing graduate programs and developing advanced courses in coastal management and marine mammal observation.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology-Ecology from Université du Québec à Rimouski
• Master's degree (1982) and Doctorate (1986) in Biology-Ecology from Université de Sherbrooke, specializing in mammal population dynamics

Research Interests: Professor Jean's pioneering work focuses on marine mammal population dynamics in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, employing photo-identification, hydroacoustic monitoring, and drone technology to track large rorquals (blue, fin, humpback, minke whales). His research uniquely integrates maritime activity analysis—cargo shipping and fishing patterns—with whale conservation, advancing sustainable resource management frameworks for coastal ecosystems.

Projects and Grants: He has coordinated Canadian government-funded international projects across Europe, Africa, and Latin America, including Amazon reforestation and tilapia farming assessments with the United Nations University and Bank of Brazil. His sabbaticals at Nova Southeastern University's Oceanographic Center support ongoing collaboration in marine sciences education.

Outreach and Media: Professor Jean produced the 2011 "Humpback Whale Route" educational series with Canadian Wildlife Federation and co-produced the 2012 six-episode documentary "On the St. Lawrence" with Télé-Québec, Canal Savoir, and TÉLUQ University—all filmed aboard the research vessel Sarava to document stakeholder engagement along the East Coast.

Professional Service: Currently President of the Canadian Wildlife Foundation and former Chair of the Canadian Wildlife Federation Board, he co-founded both the ICI Environment consortium and Canadian Conservation Institute to advance environmental policy and conservation science.