Are you trying to promote an activity in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park? You play an important role. In fact, your images and messages have an impact on visitor perception and how they conduct themselves in the park. It is a privilege to visit such an exceptional site, which is why it is important to do responsibly. Here you will find tips for ensuring that your publications are in line with the mandate of this marine protected area.
A picture is worth a thousand words. In a protected area, it can also be worth a thousand impacts.
Imagine the following picture posted on the social networks: a person standing on a rocky beach with their arms spread wide, just a few steps away from a resting seal. It’s an awesome photo; it goes viral. Other people want to live this exact experience. Over the next few days, a number of individuals try to reproduce the same shot. More and more visitors flood the area. As a result of this disturbance, the seals leave their resting spot and spend precious energy to move to another location. Their natural behaviour is altered.
This scenario could play out with other marine mammals or in a different context, but the general idea remains the same.
This image was generated by artificial intelligence.
Whenever showcasing an experience in a protected area, keep in mind to share content that is:
Compliant with protection measures;
Realistic in terms of the experience that a future visitor might have;
Authentic by showing the unique environment of the St. Lawrence and the Saguenay Fjord.
5 best practices to adopt
Mention the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
In the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, offshore activities are regulated in order to protect local marine life. Mentioning the name of the park in your content emphasizes that your company values the protection of nature and operates responsibly. Visitors from Quebec and beyond who are interested in outdoor activities are wooed by parks and large open spaces. Depending on your clientele, you might also point out that the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is a marine protected area, especially if your target audience is less familiar with the region. This detail can quickly provide a better idea of the Marine Park’s raison d’être.
Encourage visitors to observe belugas from shore
The Marine Park represents the core of the beluga’s critical habitat. It is therefore normal to encounter belugas when out on the water. When this does occur, watercraft operators should keep their distance in order to comply with regulations. Whale-watching cruises operating in the Marine Park are not permitted to target belugas. The best way to observe this species is therefore from land. Several locations around the Marine Park offer prime vantage points of beluga habitat and even organize interpretive activities to better get to know this small white whale.
Accompany your images of at-risk cetaceans with a conservation message
Want to share a picture of a beluga or a blue whale? Add a few words to educate your audience about these species and their status. For example, watching a blue whale is permitted, but only at a distance of 400 metres or more. When sharing your photo on the social networks, you might add the following cautionary note: “The blue whale is an endangered species. It should be observed at distances of no less than 400 metres to ensure it can enjoy the peace and quiet it needs.”
Show a variety of cetaceans and angles of observation
During whale-watching cruises, or even from shore, a number of species can be observed: harbour porpoise, minke whale, fin whale, humpback whale… It’s quite special to be able to observe such a variety of cetaceans at the same location! One might spot their back, their fins, their tail or their spout. Some species can even be heard singing or seen breaching! In order to create reasonable expectations, it is recommended to tell visitors what they might realistically see with your company.
Draw attention to the landscapes and other species, not just whales
People from around the world travel to take in the impressive and spectacular landscapes of the Saguenay Fjord and St. Lawrence. Of course, whales are the main draw here, but there is so much more. Over 2,200 species have been observed in the Marine Park. So why not spice things up a little by showing seabirds, seals, invertebrates or fish? Additionally, other elements, such as the headlands of the fjord, the mountains of Charlevoix, the rugged topography of Côte-Nord, the islands of the St. Lawrence and the region’s many lighthouses also warrant attention as distinctive, attention-worthy features of the Marine Park.
Need images? If you wish to take photos, film a video or fly a drone for professional purposes in or over the Marine Park, you need to acquire a permit. Submit your request.
Looking for advice or do you need the Marine Park logo for your communication tools?Get in touch with us. We will be happy to help.
By adopting these practices, you are contributing to responsible tourism and the protection of three unique marine ecosystems in Quebec. Thanks for being part of the adventure!
Tips and Best Practices
Are you trying to promote an activity in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park? You play an important role. In fact, your images and messages have an impact on visitor perception and how they conduct themselves in the park. It is a privilege to visit such an exceptional site, which is why it is important to do responsibly. Here you will find tips for ensuring that your publications are in line with the mandate of this marine protected area.
A picture is worth a thousand words. In a protected area, it can also be worth a thousand impacts.
This image was generated by artificial intelligence.
Imagine the following picture posted on the social networks: a person standing on a rocky beach with their arms spread wide, just a few steps away from a resting seal. It’s an awesome photo; it goes viral. Other people want to live this exact experience. Over the next few days, a number of individuals try to reproduce the same shot. More and more visitors flood the area. As a result of this disturbance, the seals leave their resting spot and spend precious energy to move to another location. Their natural behaviour is altered.
This scenario could play out with other marine mammals or in a different context, but the general idea remains the same.
Whenever showcasing an experience in a protected area, keep in mind to share content that is:
Compliant with protection measures;
Realistic in terms of the experience that a future visitor might have;
Authentic by showing the unique environment of the St. Lawrence and the Saguenay Fjord.
5 best practices to adopt
Mention the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
In the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, offshore activities are regulated in order to protect local marine life. Mentioning the name of the park in your content emphasizes that your company values the protection of nature and operates responsibly.
Visitors from Quebec and beyond who are interested in outdoor activities are wooed by parks and large open spaces. Depending on your clientele, you might also point out that the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is a marine protected area, especially if your target audience is less familiar with the region. This detail can quickly provide a better idea of the Marine Park’s raison d’être.
Encourage visitors to observe belugas from shore
The Marine Park represents the core of the beluga’s critical habitat. It is therefore normal to encounter belugas when out on the water. When this does occur, watercraft operators should keep their distance in order to comply with regulations. Whale-watching cruises operating in the Marine Park are not permitted to target belugas. The best way to observe this species is therefore from land. Several locations around the Marine Park offer prime vantage points of beluga habitat and even organize interpretive activities to better get to know this small white whale.
Accompany your images of at-risk cetaceans with a conservation message
Want to share a picture of a beluga or a blue whale? Add a few words to educate your audience about these species and their status. For example, watching a blue whale is permitted, but only at a distance of 400 metres or more. When sharing your photo on the social networks, you might add the following cautionary note: “The blue whale is an endangered species. It should be observed at distances of no less than 400 metres to ensure it can enjoy the peace and quiet it needs.”
Show a variety of cetaceans and angles of observation
During whale-watching cruises, or even from shore, a number of species can be observed: harbour porpoise, minke whale, fin whale, humpback whale… It’s quite special to be able to observe such a variety of cetaceans at the same location! One might spot their back, their fins, their tail or their spout. Some species can even be heard singing or seen breaching! In order to create reasonable expectations, it is recommended to tell visitors what they might realistically see with your company.
Draw attention to the landscapes and other species, not just whales
People from around the world travel to take in the impressive and spectacular landscapes of the Saguenay Fjord and St. Lawrence. Of course, whales are the main draw here, but there is so much more. Over 2,200 species have been observed in the Marine Park. So why not spice things up a little by showing seabirds, seals, invertebrates or fish? Additionally, other elements, such as the headlands of the fjord, the mountains of Charlevoix, the rugged topography of Côte-Nord, the islands of the St. Lawrence and the region’s many lighthouses also warrant attention as distinctive, attention-worthy features of the Marine Park.
Need images? If you wish to take photos, film a video or fly a drone for professional purposes in or over the Marine Park, you need to acquire a permit. Submit your request.
Looking for advice or do you need the Marine Park logo for your communication tools?Get in touch with us. We will be happy to help.
By adopting these practices, you are contributing to responsible tourism and the protection of three unique marine ecosystems in Quebec. Thanks for being part of the adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Slide
Can I use beluga or blue whale photos in my promotional material?
With caution as both these species are endangered and we don’t want to encourage people to approach them.
Make sure that the image:
• Shows the marine mammal at a good distance and does not show any boats;
• Is accompanied by a conservation message;
• Does not create expectations for guaranteed encounters or the proximity of such encounters.
Slide
Do I need a permit to take photos or videos in the park?
Whether you are looking to capture images with a camera or a drone, if you are doing so for professional or commercial purposes, you require a permit. Submit your request here.
If you wish to capture drone images for recreational use, note that this is prohibited.
Slide
May I promote whale watching by kayak or paddleboard?
If you paddle in the habitat of these creatures, it is only natural that you will cross paths with them. However, according to the Class 3 permit, which is issued to companies offering kayak or paddleboard excursions, targeted marine mammal watching is prohibited. Instead of whales, emphasize nature in general and the beauty of the landscapes.
Slide
Can I say that visitors will see whales?
You can say that the park is one of the top places in the world to watch them.
But be careful not to overpromise! It is always better to opt for wording that is more nuanced, e.g.: “You might have the privilege of observing whales in their natural habitat.”
Slide
A whale emerges near my craft and I manage to snap a picture. Is it a good idea to share it on my social networks?
Anytime you find yourself in whale habitat, these animals can surface closer to your craft than the authorized regulatory distance. As soon as you post a photo on the social networks, you no longer control who can view this photo or with how many people it will be shared. You are therefore helping to create unrealistic expectations.
Slide
Given that they approach boats, is it fair to say that belugas are curious?
Affirming that belugas are curious is an example of anthropomorphism, i.e. the attribution of a human trait to them. It is unknown why belugas approach watercraft, which is why it is not appropriate to say that they are curious when describing their behaviour. Recall that we are the ones who are visiting them in their natural habitat. In the Saguenay Fjord and St. Lawrence Estuary, do not forget to maintain a minimum of 400 metres between your craft and belugas.
Slide
Can I use artificial intelligence to generate images of marine mammals or the marine environment?
You may use AI, but be sure that the end result is realistic and that it looks like the species you are trying to depict. As for the texts, verify that their content is coherent with current Marine Park regulations. Also, best practices for AI are to acknowledge any time you have used this technology.
