Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park

The Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park is one of the best spots to do whale watching as this location proves essential to their survival. This park, founded in 1998, is managed by the federal and provincial governements, in collaboration with the region.

Its goal is to enhance, for future generations, the protection level of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence's estuary's ecosystems. Its actions aim to protect its environment while also serving for educational, recreational and scientific purposes. 

Context

Before the park, the St. Lawrence River was used mainly for transport, hunting and fishing. Now it is also used for merchandise transportation, ferries, leisure navigation, scientifc research, hunting, fishing as well as excursions and cruises.

The beginning of the 1850's marks the beginning of touristic cruises in Tadoussac, on board white boats. Rich travelers, coming from all over North America, were the main clients. Those cruises ended in 1966.

In 1980, new touristic industries focused on marine life observation established themselves. Tadoussac was the second region where this type of cruise was developed. It is also during that time that biologists became more interested in marine life. The Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park is then created. A comity is also founded, with members coming from environmental, governmental, touristic, private and leisure industries, so sea activities can be regulated.

In 2002, rules for the practice of sea activities in the park are instored. Amongst the rules established, a permit must now be emitted to allow such activities, like whale watching, a certain distance and speed must also be respected when marine mammals are nearby.