Retrospective 2024
From one month to the next, a number of different teams endeavour to study, protect and promote the Marine Park. Numerous projects contribute to the Marine Park’s mission thanks to the participation of a handful of passionate organizations committed to protecting our marine environments.
Read our recap to discover the diversity of activities that marked the Marine Park last year.
Locals in Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region were surprised to observe a greater presence of harp seals near the coast. These mammals were notably spotted off Kamouraska and Rivière-du-Loup.
Just hours after ringing in the new year, a seasoned observer from the Côte-Nord region already spotted his first cetacean of the year: a fin whale.
Locals in Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region were surprised to observe a greater presence of harp seals near the coast. These mammals were notably spotted off Kamouraska and Rivière-du-Loup.
Just hours after ringing in the new year, a seasoned observer from the Côte-Nord region already spotted his first cetacean of the year: a fin whale.
Locals in Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region were surprised to observe a greater presence of harp seals near the coast. These mammals were notably spotted off Kamouraska and Rivière-du-Loup.
Just hours after ringing in the new year, a seasoned observer from the Côte-Nord region already spotted his first cetacean of the year: a fin whale.
Harp seals resting on the ice. Credit: JC Lemay
Harp seals resting on the ice. Credit: JC Lemay
Harp seals resting on the ice. Credit: JC Lemay
An important 15-day scientific mission took place in the Saguenay Fjord. Thirteen projects were conducted simultaneously to study the impacts of commercial shipping and port activities on this ecosystem and its vulnerability to climate change. Participating in this winter research effort were 30 researchers from 21 institutions. Two photographers were also on board to help make these studies more accessible for ordinary citizens. This mission was organized in collaboration with Réseau Québec Maritime and the program Transformer l’action pour le climat.
An important 15-day scientific mission took place in the Saguenay Fjord. Thirteen projects were conducted simultaneously to study the impacts of commercial shipping and port activities on this ecosystem and its vulnerability to climate change. Participating in this winter research effort were 30 researchers from 21 institutions. Two photographers were also on board to help make these studies more accessible for ordinary citizens. This mission was organized in collaboration with Réseau Québec Maritime and the program Transformer l’action pour le climat.
An important 15-day scientific mission took place in the Saguenay Fjord. Thirteen projects were conducted simultaneously to study the impacts of commercial shipping and port activities on this ecosystem and its vulnerability to climate change. Participating in this winter research effort were 30 researchers from 21 institutions. Two photographers were also on board to help make these studies more accessible for ordinary citizens. This mission was organized in collaboration with Réseau Québec Maritime and the program Transformer l’action pour le climat.
Members of Mission Horizon Glacé in action on the frozen Saguenay River. Credit: Drowster
Members of Mission Horizon Glacé in action on the frozen Saguenay River. Credit: Drowster
Members of Mission Horizon Glacé in action on the frozen Saguenay River. Credit: Drowster
Many fishers are excited about a major challenge: ice fishing for Atlantic halibut for scientific purposes. The project is an initiative of the Comité de bassin de la baie des Ha! Ha!
Every winter, fishers also play a role in the monitoring of groundfish populations by allowing access to their catches. Marine Park employees go around fishing sites to gather data on the different species caught. These data are then forwarded to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which monitors populations to ensure that this activity is being practised sustainably.
Many fishers are excited about a major challenge: ice fishing for Atlantic halibut for scientific purposes. The project is an initiative of the Comité de bassin de la baie des Ha! Ha!
Every winter, fishers also play a role in the monitoring of groundfish populations by allowing access to their catches. Marine Park employees go around fishing sites to gather data on the different species caught. These data are then forwarded to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which monitors populations to ensure that this activity is being practised sustainably.
Many fishers are excited about a major challenge: ice fishing for Atlantic halibut for scientific purposes. The project is an initiative of the Comité de bassin de la baie des Ha! Ha!
Every winter, fishers also play a role in the monitoring of groundfish populations by allowing access to their catches. Marine Park employees go around fishing sites to gather data on the different species caught. These data are then forwarded to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which monitors populations to ensure that this activity is being practised sustainably.
A Parks Canada resource management officer takes measurements of a fish.
A Parks Canada resource management officer takes measurements of a fish.
A Parks Canada resource management officer takes measurements of a fish.
With the arrival of spring comes the addition of new partners for monitoring the Marine Park’s coastal birds. Five organizations are now participating in this effort: the Tadoussac Bird Observatory, the Rimouski Bird Observatory, Parks Canada, the Essipit Innu First Nation and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. A total of 36 observation sites are now covered by the teams, from La Malbaie to Portneuf-sur-Mer on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, and from Rivière-Ouelle to Métis-sur-Mer on the south shore. Thanks to this collaboration, the size of the area under study has doubled.
With the arrival of spring comes the addition of new partners for monitoring the Marine Park’s coastal birds. Five organizations are now participating in this effort: the Tadoussac Bird Observatory, the Rimouski Bird Observatory, Parks Canada, the Essipit Innu First Nation and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. A total of 36 observation sites are now covered by the teams, from La Malbaie to Portneuf-sur-Mer on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, and from Rivière-Ouelle to Métis-sur-Mer on the south shore. Thanks to this collaboration, the size of the area under study has doubled.
With the arrival of spring comes the addition of new partners for monitoring the Marine Park’s coastal birds. Five organizations are now participating in this effort: the Tadoussac Bird Observatory, the Rimouski Bird Observatory, Parks Canada, the Essipit Innu First Nation and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. A total of 36 observation sites are now covered by the teams, from La Malbaie to Portneuf-sur-Mer on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, and from Rivière-Ouelle to Métis-sur-Mer on the south shore. Thanks to this collaboration, the size of the area under study has doubled.
Barrow’s goldeneye
Credit: Mathilde Crépin
Barrow’s goldeneye
Credit: Mathilde Crépin
Barrow’s goldeneye
Credit: Mathilde Crépin
Various activities kick off on the shores of the Marine Park. Beach clean-ups are carried out with dedicated locals, motivated children and environmental organizations. Thanks to everyone’s collaboration, a considerable amount of trash has been removed from the environment.
In parallel, other members of the Parks Canada team take samples as part of a scientific monitoring effort for mussels. The technique consists of taking a liquid biopsy (more precisely, the invertebrate equivalent of blood) to understand the health status of these molluscs and their habitat. This method was developed by cancer researcher Yves St-Pierre as part of a project conducted by the Institute of Scientific Research (INRS).
Various activities kick off on the shores of the Marine Park. Beach clean-ups are carried out with dedicated locals, motivated children and environmental organizations. Thanks to everyone’s collaboration, a considerable amount of trash has been removed from the environment.
In parallel, other members of the Parks Canada team take samples as part of a scientific monitoring effort for mussels. The technique consists of taking a liquid biopsy (more precisely, the invertebrate equivalent of blood) to understand the health status of these molluscs and their habitat. This method was developed by cancer researcher Yves St-Pierre as part of a project conducted by the Institute of Scientific Research (INRS).
Various activities kick off on the shores of the Marine Park. Beach clean-ups are carried out with dedicated locals, motivated children and environmental organizations. Thanks to everyone’s collaboration, a considerable amount of trash has been removed from the environment.
In parallel, other members of the Parks Canada team take samples as part of a scientific monitoring effort for mussels. The technique consists of taking a liquid biopsy (more precisely, the invertebrate equivalent of blood) to understand the health status of these molluscs and their habitat. This method was developed by cancer researcher Yves St-Pierre as part of a project conducted by the Institute of Scientific Research (INRS).
Beach clean-up in Baie-Sainte-Catherine in Charlevoix.
Beach clean-up in Baie-Sainte-Catherine in Charlevoix.
Beach clean-up in Baie-Sainte-Catherine in Charlevoix.
This new interpretation activity allows visitors to discover the social lives of belugas through never-before-seen images taken for research purposes. Captured by scientific teams, the images are forwarded to observation sites where naturalists invite visitors to admire belugas under a different light.
The activity is offered at the Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park, the Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector, the Putep ’t-awt beluga observation site in Cacouna, and the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre in Tadoussac. Over 10,500 visitors had the opportunity to experience this unique activity in 2024!
This new interpretation activity allows visitors to discover the social lives of belugas through never-before-seen images taken for research purposes. Captured by scientific teams, the images are forwarded to observation sites where naturalists invite visitors to admire belugas under a different light.
The activity is offered at the Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park, the Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector, the Putep ’t-awt beluga observation site in Cacouna, and the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre in Tadoussac. Over 10,500 visitors had the opportunity to experience this unique activity in 2024!
This new interpretation activity allows visitors to discover the social lives of belugas through never-before-seen images taken for research purposes. Captured by scientific teams, the images are forwarded to observation sites where naturalists invite visitors to admire belugas under a different light.
The activity is offered at the Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park, the Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector, the Putep ’t-awt beluga observation site in Cacouna, and the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre in Tadoussac. Over 10,500 visitors had the opportunity to experience this unique activity in 2024!
The GREMM team carries out its research while broadcasting its images to the Window on Belugas audience in real time. Credit: GREMM
The GREMM team carries out its research while broadcasting its images to the Window on Belugas audience in real time. Credit: GREMM
The GREMM team carries out its research while broadcasting its images to the Window on Belugas audience in real time. Credit: GREMM
The month of July is calving season for belugas. In order to educate boaters on the best practices to adopt in the habitat of these white whales, Fisheries and Oceans Canada fishery officers and Parks Canada wardens joined forces for a 10th consecutive year. Over 320 boaters were connected with in these 9 days of patrols.
The month of July is calving season for belugas. In order to educate boaters on the best practices to adopt in the habitat of these white whales, Fisheries and Oceans Canada fishery officers and Parks Canada wardens joined forces for a 10th consecutive year. Over 320 boaters were connected with in these 9 days of patrols.
The month of July is calving season for belugas. In order to educate boaters on the best practices to adopt in the habitat of these white whales, Fisheries and Oceans Canada fishery officers and Parks Canada wardens joined forces for a 10th consecutive year. Over 320 boaters were connected with in these 9 days of patrols.
Water activities in the Marine Park are in full swing. Regattas are notably organized in L’Anse-Saint-Jean, Tadoussac and Cap-à-l’Aigle. Good times both for sailing aficionados and those who prefer to enjoy these events from shore!
Water activities in the Marine Park are in full swing. Regattas are notably organized in L’Anse-Saint-Jean, Tadoussac and Cap-à-l’Aigle. Good times both for sailing aficionados and those who prefer to enjoy these events from shore!
Water activities in the Marine Park are in full swing. Regattas are notably organized in L’Anse-Saint-Jean, Tadoussac and Cap-à-l’Aigle. Good times both for sailing aficionados and those who prefer to enjoy these events from shore!
Regatta Parcours du Boeu’ 2024. Credit: Marina de Tadoussac
Regatta Parcours du Boeu’ 2024. Credit: Marina de Tadoussac
Regatta Parcours du Boeu’ 2024. Credit: Marina de Tadoussac
The Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation organized two editions of the Wahsipekuk Seminar this year. On board the ÉcoMaris educational sailboat, the first outing took place with community members aged 13 to 17. This initial youth-oriented expedition was a major success. A second outing – this time for adults – took place in September.
The Wahsipekuk Seminar provides participants a unique opportunity to talk about Wolastoqey identity, Indigenous leadership and the importance of the St. Lawrence River. It also allows them to familiarize themselves with the Parks Canada warden program while learning the basics of navigation.
The Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation organized two editions of the Wahsipekuk Seminar this year. On board the ÉcoMaris educational sailboat, the first outing took place with community members aged 13 to 17. This initial youth-oriented expedition was a major success. A second outing – this time for adults – took place in September.
The Wahsipekuk Seminar provides participants a unique opportunity to talk about Wolastoqey identity, Indigenous leadership and the importance of the St. Lawrence River. It also allows them to familiarize themselves with the Parks Canada warden program while learning the basics of navigation.
The Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation organized two editions of the Wahsipekuk Seminar this year. On board the ÉcoMaris educational sailboat, the first outing took place with community members aged 13 to 17. This initial youth-oriented expedition was a major success. A second outing – this time for adults – took place in September.
The Wahsipekuk Seminar provides participants a unique opportunity to talk about Wolastoqey identity, Indigenous leadership and the importance of the St. Lawrence River. It also allows them to familiarize themselves with the Parks Canada warden program while learning the basics of navigation.
Des jeunes en action lors du Séminaire Wahsipekuk jeunesse 2024.
Dipping temperatures slowly bring the tourist season to a close. Whether they offer excursions on board motorboats, sailboats or kayaks, 32 tourism businesses operated in the Marine Park this past summer. Onshore, 22 different sites form the Marine Park’s “discovery network.”
On land and at sea, passionate interpreters and naturalists endeavour to raise awareness of just how rich this Marine Protected Area is.
Dipping temperatures slowly bring the tourist season to a close. Whether they offer excursions on board motorboats, sailboats or kayaks, 32 tourism businesses operated in the Marine Park this past summer. Onshore, 22 different sites form the Marine Park’s “discovery network.”
On land and at sea, passionate interpreters and naturalists endeavour to raise awareness of just how rich this Marine Protected Area is.
Dipping temperatures slowly bring the tourist season to a close. Whether they offer excursions on board motorboats, sailboats or kayaks, 32 tourism businesses operated in the Marine Park this past summer. Onshore, 22 different sites form the Marine Park’s “discovery network.”
On land and at sea, passionate interpreters and naturalists endeavour to raise awareness of just how rich this Marine Protected Area is.
A group of whale-watchers on one of the last offshore outings of the season. Credit: Alice Cloutier-Lachance (Du Fleuve)
A group of whale-watchers on one of the last offshore outings of the season. Credit: Alice Cloutier-Lachance (Du Fleuve)
A group of whale-watchers on one of the last offshore outings of the season. Credit: Alice Cloutier-Lachance (Du Fleuve)
As part of the public consultations held on the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park expansion project, five public participation events took place. All in all, over 350 individuals attended events in Rimouski (Le Bic), Rivière-du-Loup, Kamouraska, Saint-Irénée and Les Escoumins.
As part of the public consultations held on the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park expansion project, five public participation events took place. All in all, over 350 individuals attended events in Rimouski (Le Bic), Rivière-du-Loup, Kamouraska, Saint-Irénée and Les Escoumins.
As part of the public consultations held on the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park expansion project, five public participation events took place. All in all, over 350 individuals attended events in Rimouski (Le Bic), Rivière-du-Loup, Kamouraska, Saint-Irénée and Les Escoumins.
Participatory event in Saint-Irénée in Charlevoix. Credit: Jean-François Desgagnés
Participatory event in Saint-Irénée in Charlevoix. Credit: Jean-François Desgagnés
Participatory event in Saint-Irénée in Charlevoix. Credit: Jean-François Desgagnés
The public consultation period for the Marine Park expansion project ended on December 13. The numerous briefs received (some of which can be viewed here) will help the two governments involved take a well-informed joint decision on the project.
A public consultations report will be published in 2025.
The public consultation period for the Marine Park expansion project ended on December 13. The numerous briefs received (some of which can be viewed here) will help the two governments involved take a well-informed joint decision on the project.
A public consultations report will be published in 2025.
The public consultation period for the Marine Park expansion project ended on December 13. The numerous briefs received (some of which can be viewed here) will help the two governments involved take a well-informed joint decision on the project.
A public consultations report will be published in 2025.
An online survey allowed citizens to express their opinions on the project. Credit: Audrey Mainguy
An online survey allowed citizens to express their opinions on the project. Credit: Audrey Mainguy
An online survey allowed citizens to express their opinions on the project. Credit: Audrey Mainguy
Highlights
Scientific research and monitoring
Research organizations:
Most popular subjects:
Geographical distribution of projects
Protection and awareness measures
Compliance with speed limits
percentage of whale-watching boats that observed the maximum speed of 25 knots within the Marine Park. Prior to 2021, compliance with this speed limit was below 60%.
percentage of whale-watching boats that observed the 20-knot slowdown measure in the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord. Prior to 2021, compliance with this speed limit was below 40%.
knots: average speed of cargo ships in the voluntary 10-knot slowdown zone proposed for the feeding area used by rorquals.
boat presence in Baie Sainte-Marguerite between June and September. Closing the bay to watercraft in summer helps reduce disturbance to belugas. This figure was 25% before the measure was implemented in 2018.
captains and guides trained in the Marine Activities in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations.
individuals educated on best boating practices in the Marine Park.
Tourism and promotion
Onshore and offshore tourism offering
coastal locations, including wharves and hikes with exceptional vantage points as well as museums and interpretation centres.
companies that offer offshore activities, including whale-watching cruises, sea kayaking excursions, sailing and scuba diving.
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