Saguenay–St Lawrence Marine Park Management Plan 2010
In 2016, a management plan review was undertaken of the 2010 Saguenay–St Lawrence Marine Park Management Plan, and found to remain applicable for the management of the site with no revisions required. The 2010 Saguenay–St Lawrence Marine Park Management Plan will continue to provide strategic management direction for the site until the next management plan review, in ten years’ time or sooner as required.
It is with pleasure that we present the revised Management Plan for the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.
This new Management Plan is the result of exceptional cooperation between the governments of Quebec
and Canada, with the Marine Park Coordinating Committee representing the interests of local and regional
communities.
This plan follows from the original Management Plan approved in 1995. The original Plan presented, for
the first time in Quebec, the shared efforts of two governments towards establishing a marine park and an
innovative approach to the participation of regional communities in its management through the creation of a
Coordinating Committee.
The cooperation between the two governments in managing the Marine Park continued over the past ten years
through the creation of facilities and services, in collaboration with government departments, municipalities,
organizations and private companies. In this way the network of discovery areas was developed, research
projects were implemented, and certain aspects of the legal framework were established, including the Marine
Activities Regulations.
In light of the knowledge and experience acquired over the last ten years, the revised Management Plan
presents the principles, guidelines and key actions that will be implemented over the next seven years. The
Marine Park is ready to face the challenges associated with the protection and enhancement of a marine
protected area of this size.
We wish to extend our thanks and encouragement to local, regional and national partners, and to the staff in
pursuit of the Marine Park vision.
Recommendations
Approval recommended by:
Alan Latourelle
Chief Executive Officer,
Parks Canada
Daniel Langlois
Co-director, Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
Parks Canada
Jules Dufour
President, Coordinating Committee
Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
Léopold Gaudreau
Assistant Deputy Minister for Sustainable Development
Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs
Luc Bouchard
Co-director, Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
Parcs Québec (Sépaq)
Foreword
The Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park was created pursuant to an agreement signed
on April 6, 1990, by the governments of Quebec and Canada. In order to initiate its
implementation, two series of public consultations took place, one aiming to determine the
boundaries of the Marine Park (December 1990) and the other devoted to its presentation
(April 1993). The original Management Plan was drafted in 1995, and in 1998 the two Acts
officially creating the Marine Park took effect.
In the years that followed, operational teams were established and contributed to the
development of a number of management tools, such as incorporating acts and several
plans, including those regarding public safety, resource conservation and environmental
emergencies. Additionally, the Coordinating Committee was created, numerous
partnerships were established, the Marine Activities Regulations were instituted, the
network of discovery areas was developed, interpretation and awareness activities were set
up, partners were trained and supported, etc.
Furthermore, the review of the Management Plan required a number of steps. First there was
the planning and drafting of the zoning plan as well as the State of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence
Marine Park Report, establishing a portrait of its current condition. These two elements
along with an analysis of current issues made it possible to prepare a public consultation
document. In the course of this public consultation, we heard the participants’ concerns
and recommendations, many of which were taken into consideration.
This document describes the issues and sets out the objectives, indicators and actions to
be implemented in all focal areas of the Marine Park, i.e., participatory management, the
ecosystems and biodiversity of the Park, the environmentally sustainable use of resources,
the visitor experience, public education and awareness and, lastly, the Marine Park’s
administration.
1.0 Introduction
The purpose of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park is to
increase, for the benefit of the present and future generations,
the level of protection of the ecosystems of a representative
portion of the Saguenay River and the St. Lawrence Estuary
for conservation purposes, while encouraging its use for
educational, recreational and scientific purposes.
The Marine Park was created after many years of local
community interest. The local community’s desire to protect the beluga and its habitat was a determining factor in its
creation. The Acts officially creating the Marine Park and
governing its management took effect in 1998 Footnote 1.
Purpose of the federal legislation
The purpose of this Act is to increase, for the benefit of the present and
future generations, the level of protection of the ecosystems of a representative
portion of the Saguenay River and the St. Lawrence Estuary for conservation
purposes, while encouraging its use for educational, recreational and scientific
purposes.
Preamble of the Quebec Act
WHEREAS the Governments of Quebec and of Canada recognize the necessity,
both for the present and future generations, of protecting the environment,
the flora and fauna and the exceptional natural resources of a representative
portion of the Saguenay River and the St. Lawrence Estuary, while encouraging
its use for educational, recreational and scientific purposes.
The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park was an innovative
creation in several respects. It was the first time the
governments of Canada and Quebec united in creating a
marine protected area with each government acting within the
scope of its jurisdiction.
It is the first park in Quebec and Canada dedicated to protecting
a marine environment. It is part of a region flourishing in
several respects, particularly in tourism. Accordingly, the
governments chose to establish close ties with regional partners
to achieve the Marine Park’s objectives. The municipalities
adjacent to the Marine Park and the Essipit Innu First Nation were chosen to actively participate in conservation, education
and discovery activities, and thus form the coordination zone
(see map 1).
The establishment of protected areas such as the Saguenay-
St. Lawrence Marine Park contributes to respecting the
international commitments of the United Nations Convention
on Biological Diversity, of which Canada is a party.
The Marine Park includes the Saguenay Fjord, located
downstream from Cap à l’Est, and the northern section of the
St. Lawrence Estuary between Gros Cap à l’Aigle upstream to
Pointe-Rouge (Les Escoumins) downstream. The Marine Park
covers approximately 1,245 km2, includes the water column
and seabed, and extends to the normal high-tide line (see map 1).
Excluded from this territory are:
All lands not owned by the government of Quebec;
All marine facilities, in particular wharves, recreational
harbours, the Prince Shoal Lighthouse and a 25-metre
strip around marine facilities without a waterlot and in
deep water, i.e., a lot located on the Saguenay and St.
Lawrence riverbeds;
All islands and all islets.
Following a brief overview of the area’s history, the Management
Plan presents the vision developed for the Marine Park, major
recommendations and actions to be carried out over the next
few years. The areas covered are the participatory management,
ecosystems and biodiversity, the environmentally sustainable
use of resources, the experience offered to residents and
visitors, and the education and awareness of the value and
benefits of resource conservation. It also sets out the criteria
on which the Marine Park and its partners will rely to ensure
its protection, the environmentally sustainable use of resources
and its presentation.
Management plan development process
This Management Plan is the result of the work of a
multidisciplinary team composed of employees from Parks
Canada, Quebec’s Ministère du Développement durable, de
l’Environnement et des Parcs, the Société des établissements
de plein air du Québec (Sépaq), and the members of the
Coordinating Committee and its advisory boards.
The development of the Management Plan is an opportunity
to take stock of what has been achieved. Its drafting began with
the State of the Marine Park Report which assessed the health
of the ecosystems, the quality of the visitor experience and the
effectiveness of management measures. The current situation
was subsequently reviewed and issues identified. The latter
were thoroughly analyzed based on the legislative provisions,
government policies and anticipated impacts on the local
community and Marine Park ecosystems in view of formulating
proposals to be submitted for public consultation.
In December 2007, a public consultation document was
released. It described the planning process and management
options intended to lead to solutions to the issues identified.
Public consultations were held in early 2008. The Essipit Innu
First Nation was involved from the outset and throughout
the planning process. An official meeting took place with this
community in January 2008. The First Nations Malecite of
Viger, Betsiamites and Mashteuiatsh were also informed of the
process. Eight public sessions subsequently took place in the
Marine Park coordination zone, in La Malbaie, Rivière-du-
Loup, Saguenay and Les Escoumins. More than 230 persons
took part in these briefing and exchange sessions, which
testifies to the communities’ interest.
In all, 52 position papers were tabled. The most recurrent
themes were the discovery areas; the sense of ownership of the
Marine Park; the zoning plan; observation activities at sea; the
expansion of the boundaries of the Marine Park; recreational
boating, including anchoring and wastewater; partnerships;
commercial and recreational fishing; methane port projects;
migratory bird hunting; jet skis; and commercial navigation. A
report of the public consultation was published.
The comments expressed both orally and in writing, were
taken into account in the drafting of the Management Plan.
The provisional version of this plan was submitted to an
environmental assessment in accordance with a Parks Canada
directive aimed at ensuring that the actions proposed would
not have any negative impacts.
Map 1: Marine Park and co-ordination zone limits
Marine Park and co-ordination zone limits — Text version
This map shows the boundaries of Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park. Areas on the map include:
Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park
Parc national du Saguenay
Co-ordination zone
Following the public consultation, the Management Plan is
approved by the Canadian Minister of the Environment and the
Quebec Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment
and Parks. As stipulated in legislation regarding the Saguenay-
St. Lawrence Marine Park (section 9. (2) of the Canadian Act
and section 8 of the Quebec Act), the governments of Canada and Quebec are responsible for reviewing the Management
Plan at least every seven years. Once the required approvals
have been received, the document is tabled in the House
of Commons of Canada and in the National Assembly of
Quebec.
2.0 The importance of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
The Marine Park is dedicated to protecting and enhancing
the marine environment of a representative section of the
St. Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay Fjord. It is part of the
Canadian network of national marine conservation areas, and
the Quebec network of parks. As the only marine protected
area in Quebec and the first one created by an Act of Parliament
in Canada, the Marine Park is a place where unique expertise
in conservation, presentation and participatory management
is being developed.
The Marine Park is located midway between the Great Lakes
and the Atlantic Ocean. The confluence of the St. Lawrence
Estuary and the Saguenay River, where the waters from the
Great Lakes, the Saguenay basin and the Atlantic Ocean meet, is
recognized as an ecologically exceptional region. The particular
oceanographic conditions of the confluence area, the unique
character of the Saguenay Fjord, the beauty of the landscapes,
the great biodiversity of the area and the presence of belugas
are the Marine Park’s unique characteristics. Additionally, the
extent of human occupation in the surrounding area makes it a
place of importance in North American history.
Because of its participatory management approach, the Marine
Park is a model of partnership. Dynamic process, in constant
evolution, and leader are all terms that describe it well. It is a
crossroads of life, a source of exchanges and wealth.
Several Canadian and Quebec government departments
with jurisdiction on the Marine Park territory contribute to
the achievement of its objectives through law and regulation
enforcement. These are a few examples:
Government of Canada
Species at Risk Act
Canada Wildlife Act
Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994
Canada Oceans Act
Fisheries Act
Canada Shipping Act (under review)
Navigable Waters Protection Act
Canadian Environmental Protection Act
Government of Quebec
Environment Quality Act
Petroleum Products Act
An Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife
An Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species
Cultural Property Act
Quebec Sustainable Development Act
3.0 Historic elements
Age-old history
In the area of the mouth of the Saguenay River, human
occupation prior to European contact extends over eight
thousand years. Many archaeological sites testify to Palaeolithic
hunter-fishers’ interest in marine wildlife, particularly seals. In
the centuries preceding Jacques Cartier’s arrival, some groups
fished belugas, sometimes intensively, as an analysis of the
vestiges of precontact historic sites on Verte Island has shown.
The archaeological data indicates that hunter-fishers in the
region were part of a network of interactions extending
upstream of the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes, towards the
Atlantic coast and in the hinterland (James Bay, Abitibi). The
fur trade developed in this age-old Native network starting
near the end of the 16th century.
Marine wildlife, source of life and wealth
From the 17th to the 19th century, Amerindians relied heavily
on marine wildlife for subsistence. From spring to fall, they
caught salmon, seabirds and seals. They traded their furs at
the trading post in Tadoussac. Oils from sea mammals, used
for lamps and in tanneries, were also traded. In the early 18th
century, many Innu families started spending their winters on
the coast in the area of Les Escoumins, where they hunted seal
in canoes.
The Amerindians never hunted big whales but started meeting
Basque fishermen as early as 1580. The latter were the first
Europeans to work the St. Lawrence Estuary directly, but
the oil industry gave rise to a number of other initiatives.
Entrepreneurs and residents established beluga fisheries
starting in 1701. The porpoise fishery continued until 1927
on Île aux Coudres and until 1940 in Rivière-Ouelle. Nearby
dwellers also hunted belugas in canoes, an activity that lost
significance after 1950 and which was banned in 1979. Now
regulated, seal hunting is still part of the traditions of a few
communities on the North Shore.
In the 19th century, a rise in the demand for fish (salted, canned,
then fresh) led to the frantic development of commercial
salmon fishing operations. It was with regard to this type of
fishery that the first conflicts between the various users of the
marine environment—and subsequently the first concerns for
its preservation—arose.
New communities and new uses
After 1838, the human occupation was in the process of a
radical transformation. The French-Canadian population
increased as more and more sawmills opened their doors. The
expansion of sedentary villages transformed the landscape. The
forest industry, which drove this expansion, had an undeniable
impact on nature and on those who for centuries had been
living off the latter.
Starting in 1847, the Innus decried the decline of their hunting
and fishing grounds. The idea of setting aside lands for their
use was already on the agenda, and found concrete expression
in the creation of the Betsiamite (1851), Mashteuiatsh (1856)
and Essipit (1892) reserves. In the wake of colonization efforts,
sports fishermen landed for adventure and salmon. They were
wealthy and belonged to the English elite. They were the first
to note the industry’s impact on the wildlife and denounce
the abuses of the commercial fishery. Their complaints led to
legislative measures that, around 1860, marked the start of the
first true preservation system for salmon habitats.
Around 1850, progress made in steam navigation and the
notoriety of the Saguenay landscapes propelled the region
into the era of resort tourism. Over the course of the
century, thousands of summer visitors migrated every year
to the estuary’s tourist centres (La Malbaie, Rivière-du-Loup,
Tadoussac, Cacouna). The luxurious “white boats” that brought
them will forever mark the memory of riverside residents.
While urbanization progressed upstream, the Saguenay region
and the St. Lawrence Estuary, with their invigorating waters
and air, established themselves as a place for city dwellers to
unwind.
In the industrial era
In the 20th century, the Saguenay entered the industrial era.
The implementation of a network of pulp and paper plants
(1896-1926) and the development of the aluminum (Arvida,
1926) and hydroelectricity industry gradually led to the
urbanization of the Haut-Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean. This
development, here and in the St. Lawrence River Valley,
worked its way upstream. For the estuary, it resulted in the
intensification of marine trade and the modernization of the
network of navigational aids.
Marine traffic and the densification of industry and populations
had an impact on marine wildlife. It was presumed that this
affected the St. Lawrence beluga in particular, which appeared
particularly vulnerable due do its reduced population. The
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
designated it an “endangered species” (1983 and 1997), and
eventually a “threatened species” (2004).
Along with the expansion of major industry, communities in
the Marine Park coordination zone started relying increasingly
on tourism for their development. Initiatives in the last few
years testify to the efforts made to present the region’s natural
and cultural heritage.
The rise in environmental concern in the last quarter of the
20th century contributed to the revival of a tourism industry
focused on nature. As a result, observation activities at sea
experienced an explosive growth in the region which would
become the Marine Park in the mid-1980s. Today, local and
regional populations are aware that ecotourism generates
significant economic benefits and that its development goes
hand in hand with the protection of nature in general and
marine ecosystems in particular.
4.0 Current situation
4.1 Regional context
The area of the Marine Park is bordered by seven regional
county municipalities (RCM): Charlevoix-Est, Fjord-du-
Saguenay, Ville de Saguenay, Haute-Côte-Nord, Kamouraska,
Rivière-du-Loup and Des Basques. The social, economic and
environmental dynamic of the regions surrounding the Park
is founded in part on the tourism industry and the practice of
outdoor activities within the framework of a quality natural
environment. Logging and commercial fishing are still part of
the economic landscape, although to a lesser degree than in
previous times due to the decline in resources.
The Marine Park coordination zone extends from Ville de
Saguenay, upstream from the Saguenay River, to Tadoussac,
including all of the municipalities along the fjord. Along the
north shore of the St. Lawrence River, it extends from La
Malbaie, downstream, to Les Escoumins, including the land
claimed by the Essipit Innu First Nation. On the south shore,
the municipalities running alongside the estuary between
Kamouraska and Trois-Pistoles form part of the coordination
zone, including the land claimed by the Malecite First Nation in
Viger. Over the past decade, the tourism offer was extensively
developed in this area in terms of both activities and services.
In this way, a structured offer capable of serving the various
clienteles of the Marine Park was formed.
Residents of the coordination zone are the first affected by this
Park because they live nearby, they work there, they benefit
from it every day, and their day-to-day activities may have
an impact on the quality of this environment. They practise
a variety of activities such as fishing, hunting, recreational
boating, wildlife observation, clamming, etc. It is important to
maintain a climate of cooperation with the nearby communities
so as to develop their sense of ownership of the Marine Park.
Table 1. Population of regional county municipalities and Essipit Innu First Nation
Today, the Essipit Innu First Nation takes active part in the
region’s social, cultural and economic life. Its members
practise a number of activities, some of them considered
traditional. The area of the Marine Park is included in the
Essipit Innu First Nation’s comprehensive Native land claim.
The settlement of their claim is the subject of negotiations
between the governments of Canada and Quebec and the
Essipit Innu First Nation. The resulting treaty could have an
impact on some of the activities practised within the borders
of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Once the treaty
has been finalized, in the event of incompatibility or conflict
between the Marine Park Act and the treaty, the treaty will take
precedence as regards the incompatibility or conflict. Nothing
in the Management Plan must be interpreted as recognition of
rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
4.2 Visitors and tourist attraction
In addition to the residents of the coordination zone, numerous
visitors come to the Marine Park to discover its natural and
cultural resources and practise recreational activities. In 2005,
overall attendance at the Marine Park and all sites within the
coordination zone was 1,062,178 person-visits, including
460,070 visits within the Marine Park’s maritime circuit (SOM,
2006). These data indicate that the Marine Park, the activities
and the services offered in the coordination zone represent a
major attraction for residents and visitors. In 2005, tourists
spent 204 million dollars in the area of the co-ordination
zone. The number of jobs maintained or created attributable to tourist spending was 2,316 full-time equivalents or 4,000
seasonal jobs.
Sixty-two percent (62%) of visitors come from Quebec, 6%
live elsewhere in Canada, 3% come from the United States
and 29% come from other countries, mainly France. Less
than half of the visitors (40%) were on their first visit to the
region, indicating a significant return effect. The beauty of the
landscapes and the observation of marine mammals are the
main motivation of visitors.
4.3 Management structure
The Marine Park’s management is governed by a Harmonization
Committee created pursuant to the acts respecting the
Marine Park to ensure governmental co-management. This
committee is joined by a Coordinating Committee composed
of representatives from various areas of activity within the
coordination zone.
The participation of the public and its representatives, including
that of First Nations, as well as consensus building, are essential
to the Marine Park’s success. Federal and provincial laws and
regulations of general application contribute to the management
of the activities taking place within the Park. The challenge
consists in combining the efforts of the various government
departments and organizations while coordinating their
actions with a view to attaining the objectives of the Marine
Park. Its managers play a rallying role to bring stakeholders
to work jointly and optimize their conservation, education,
discovery and scientific research efforts.
4.4 State of health of the Marine Park
The State of the Marine Park Report was drafted in 2007. It
tells us that the state of the ecosystems of the lower estuary
and Saguenay Fjord is cause for concern. As regards the
lower estuary, the main reasons for this state is the input of
contaminants coming from upstream, the decline in oxygen in
deep waters in certain sectors and the variations observed in the
abundance of marine mammals over the years. As regards the
fjord, the reasons are the presence of persistent contaminants
and the precariousness of demersal fish populations. Less is
known about the state of the upper estuary, making it difficult to assess. The state of the biodiversity, coastal environment
and watershed is also cause for concern.
4.5 Management principle: the environmentally sustainable use
The Marine Park is managed based on its environmentally
sustainable use, which means that ecosystems must be used
according to their limits in providing services and resources.
The ecosystem-based approach advocates taking into account
the marine resources’ capacity for renewal and to protect
endangered species and their habitats and reduce the impacts
of human activities on the structure and function of the
ecosystems.
The Marine Park has the potential to become a model for
the maintenance of biodiversity and the sound management
of marine resources and human activities. In order to achieve
this goal, the solid commitment of all stakeholders to work
together is crucial.
5.0 Achievements
The governments and their regional partners have joined
together in collegial support to enhance tangible protection
of marine ecosystems while promoting environmentally
sustainable use, respectful of the traditions and customs of local
and regional communities. For ten years, considerable efforts
have been made by the Canadian and Quebec governments
to establish competent management teams and real-time
support for local and regional communities and organizations
regarding the enhancement of the Marine Park. Without the
definite support of the various regional stakeholders and the
enthusiasm and commitment of the staff, the Park would
not be what we know it to be today: a place devoted to the
protection of the marine environment, where man and nature
coexist in increasing harmony.
The main achievements with regard to the various focal areas
are as follows:
Legal framework
Adoption of legislation creating the Marine Park and
adoption of the first Management Plan.
Adoption of the Marine Activities in the Saguenay-
St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations (first regulations
of its kind in Canada and Quebec), the fruit of exceptional
joint action with regional authorities and the players
concerned (boat operators, kayak outfitters, etc.).
Participatory management
Creation of the Harmonization Committee.
Creation of the Coordinating Committee and its advisory
boards. Remarkably, the Coordinating Committee has
met more than 60 times since its creation.
Establishment of consensus-building committees and
memorandums of agreement between the Marine Park and
various government departments involved in the Marine
Park (e.g., linking committee with the Department of
Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), memorandums of agreement
with DFO and Transport Canada, etc.).
Ecosystem management and research
Development and adoption of the ecosystem conservation
plan and gradual implementation of recommendations.
Development of the preliminary zoning proposal, in
consultation with the territory’s main users.
Monitoring of the ice fishing practised in the fjord, in
partnership with DFO and local ice fishing stakeholders
(fishing associations, Alcan, Société touristique du fjord,
outfitters, etc.).
Conducting natural science and social science studies
(history and archaeology) in collaboration with regional
establishments.
Monitoring programs for activities and resources (e.g.,
sports fishing, marine observation activities, necropsy of
beluga carcasses, inventory of the harbour seal, etc.).
Inventory of submerged cultural resources (wrecks,
etc.).
Production of the first State of the Marine Park Report
assessing its condition in various key areas.
Drafting of an environmental emergency plan.
Visitor experience
Opening of five visitor reception and orientation centres
in Les Escoumins, Rivière-du-Loup, Trois-Pistoles, the
borough of La Baie (Ville de Saguenay), and Saint-Fidèle
(La Malbaie).
Developments carried out on 17 discovery areas operated
by partners and significant investments in sites run by
Parks Canada and Parcs Québec.
Improvement of the network of water access points
through appropriate developments on sites managed
by partner organizations or by Parks Canada and Parcs
Québec.
Implementation by the Marine Park and local partners of
interpretation tools and discovery activities (“Le Saint-
Laurent en direct” activity, panels, talks, guided hikes,
etc.).
Design and installation of various exhibits in several
interpretation centres within the coordination zone.
Publication of information brochures and annual discovery
guides in collaboration with regional tourist associations.
Training of naturalists and captains working in relation
with the Marine Park.
Establishment of the ice rescue network.
Implementation of the public safety plan.
Education and awareness
Establishment of a school program in elementary schools
within the coordination zone, in collaboration with local
organizations.
Creation of the Marine Park website:
www.marinepark.qc.ca.
Creation of the Rosaire-Corbin Footnote 4 award recognizing the
exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations
in the areas of education, awareness and interpretation of
the natural and cultural themes of the Marine Park.
Interpretation on ferries: Trans-Saint-Laurent (Saint-
Siméon—Rivière-du-Loup) and Baie-Sainte-Catherine—
Tadoussac, in collaboration with the Clarke Company and
the Société des traversiers du Québec.
6.0 A vision for the Marine Park, an environment
protected for the benefit of nearby communities
and the public
Below is an outline of the desired state of the Marine Park
in 15 years. It projects the expectations of the citizens and
governments of Canada and Quebec with regard to the
protection and presentation of the ecosystems of this marine
area. This vision will give direction to the Management Plan
and support the management of the Marine Park by setting
realistic and measurable objectives.
We hope that in fifteen years and with the support of
surrounding populations, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine
Park will:
Protect the unique marine ecosystems, fauna and flora of a
section of the St. Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay Fjord;
Use scientific research for the improved management,
protection and presentation of the area’s resources;
Resort, in the absence of scientific certitude, to the
precautionary principle in the management of activities capable of modifying the biological diversity and marine
environment of the estuary and fjord;
Serve as a model of the environmentally sustainable use of
renewable natural resources generating positive effects on
the environment, the economy and regional jobs;
Respect the principles of sustainable development, where
conservation interventions and the use of resources
are environmentally viable, socially acceptable and
economically profitable;
Significantly contribute to the preservation of the estuary
and fjord, in particular by taking action to protect habitats
to promote the restoration of endangered species,
including the St. Lawrence beluga;
Remain one of the best places in Canada to see marine
mammals and a place of residence for the St. Lawrence
beluga;
Perpetuate a harmonious relationship between man
and sea and the contribution of local and First Nations
communities;
Be recognized as a model of cooperation and participation
with local and regional communities while exerting
an influence extending well beyond its territorial
boundaries;
Be a place for exchanges of knowledge and experiences
giving rise to the discovery, understanding, appreciation
and protection of the natural and cultural heritage of the
marine environment;
Provide the framework for the safe practice of discovery
and recreational activities in line with ecosystem
conservation objectives;
Still comprise striking marine and coastal landscapes;
Become a potential candidate for designation as a
UNESCO world heritage site.
7.0 The Marine Park, a model of participatory management
Dynamic management fostering the participation of citizens
The Marine Park is co-managed by the governments of
Quebec and Canada. This co-management is exercised by the
Harmonization Committee, an authoritative body created
pursuant to the two Acts establishing the Marine Park (see
box Footnote 5). Also, participatory management is ensured by the
Coordinating Committee composed of representatives for the
nearby regions in various areas of activity.
Excerpt from the Quebec Act on the Marine Park, sections 15, 16 and 17, regarding the participatory management and more specifically
the harmonization committee and the coordinating committee.
DIVISION IV
HARMONIZATION COMMITTEE
Establishment, objects
15. A harmonization committee, made up of representatives of the Minister and of the federal Minister, is hereby established for the purposes of ensuring
harmonization and implementing the activities and programs of the Gouvernement du Québec and the Government of Canada respecting the park, in
particular with respect to the protection of ecosystems, planning, management, issuance of permits and other authorizing instruments, consultation, the
programming of activities, communications and the ways in which infrastructures, installations and equipment are to be shared.
Draft regulations
The harmonization committee also is to harmonize draft regulations to be made under this Act and draft regulations to be made under the federal statute
respecting the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.
1997, c. 16, s. 15.
DIVISION V
COORDINATING COMMITTEE
Establishment, object
16. A coordinating committee is hereby established to make recommendations to the Minister and to the federal Minister on the measures to be taken
in order to carry out the objectives of the management plan.
1997, c. 16, s. 16.
Composition
17. The Minister, in cooperation with the federal Minister, shall determine the composition of the coordinating committee and shall ensure that the
persons principally concerned are involved.
1997, c. 16, s. 17.
The Coordinating Committee was mandated to monitor the
Management Plan and recommend to the ministers responsible
for the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park the strategies and
means needed to achieve the general and specific objectives
defined in this plan. It allows for consensus-building and fosters
the complementarity of the actions taken by the numerous
stakeholders.
In particular, the committee acts in the following areas:
Resource and marine ecosystem protection;
Education and interpretation;
Visitor reception and orientation;
Presentation of the Park and its resources;
Marketing and promotion of the Marine Park;
Integration in the regional environment;
Studies and research projects associated with the Park’s
management;
Park management orientations and strategies;
Protection of Amerindian cultural resources and sites.
To ensure the representation of the municipalities, First
Nations and many partners of the coordination zone, the
committee is composed as follows:
One representative from each of the three RCMs
situated next to the Marine Park on the north shore, i.e.,
Charlevoix-Est, Fjord-du-Saguenay and Haute-Côte-
Nord, and only one representative for the south shoredesignated by the three RCMs concerned (Rivière-du-
Loup, Les Basques and Kamouraska);
One representative for the Essipit Innu First Nation;
One representative for the scientific community;
One representative for the interpretation and education
aspect;
One representative for Parks Canada;
One representative for the Government of Quebec.
Moreover, in accordance with the constituent mirror legislation,
the concerned ministers can modify the composition of the
committee.
It is understood that the Coordinating Committee establishes
its own terms of operation. Members work in collegiality as
regards all activities and all topics of interest for the Marine
Park including planning, promotion, and the schedule of
activities. All recommendations from the Committee are
subject to the consensus of all members present. In the
event of disagreement within the committee, the issue is
submitted to the ministers. An executive secretary assumes
the responsibility of carrying out all secretarial work and tasks
associated with the Committee’s operation.
The Coordinating Committee receives various proposals
regarding the conservation and enhancement of the Marine
Park and recommends the latter provided they correspond
to the objectives of the Management Plan. Subsequently,
the Marine Park’s co-managers must make a decision and
follow up on the latter based on the human and financial
resources available and the objectives and priorities of their
organization.
Furthermore, prior to their implementation, the projects
considered by the committee that have or may have an impact
on First Nations will be the subject of a notice drafted by
representatives of the Native community concerned.
The Coordinating Committee has set up six advisory boards
(ecosystem management and research; reception, marketing
and signage; developments and fixed assets; themes, education
and interpretation; marine observation activities; revenue
generation) bringing together close to one hundred people
from the municipal, environmental, governmental and private
environments, among others. These advisory boards were
established to clearly define the issues associated with the
Coordinating Committee’s intervention framework and to
assist the latter as required in the review of the various issues
submitted to it or placed under its responsibility.
The harmonious integration of the Marine Park in
the regional environment
Regional integration is of great importance and the Marine
Park must be a part of the various local and regional landuse
planning efforts. For example, the protection of coastal
landscapes and waterfront lands requires the collaboration
and commitment of the municipalities and local organizations,
since the Marine Park is not responsible for the management
of the lands surrounding it. These landscapes are intrinsic
elements of the Marine Park that are important to protect.
Relations with First Nations
The Essipit Innu Band Council takes part in the Park’s
development, the management of activities and in the work
of the Coordinating Committee and advisory boards. This
community contributes significantly to the presentation of the
Marine Park by testifying to the 8,000-year-old presence of
Amerindians in this area.
The Essipit Innu take active part in the region’s social, cultural
and economic life. It is understood that the concept for the
presentation of the Marine Park and its implementation must
acknowledge the essential role played by this community for
visitors to promote its ancestral and contemporary culture.
7.1 Co-management and citizen
participation related issues
Consensus-building between government departments
and other regional planning bodies
It is essential that government departments and agencies
take active part in the development and management of
the Marine Park. The latter act within the boundaries of
the Marine Park and in the coordination zone and must
coordinate their interventions even more effectively.
Improved consensus-building will make it possible to
optimize reliance on mechanisms contributing to the
attainment of the Marine Park’s objectives.
Sense of ownership of the Marine Park and
participation of citizens in the coordination
zone
Citizens’ sense of ownership with respect to the Marine
Park must be further developed. This situation was
highlighted during the public consultation. Some of the
participants expressed a desire to be better informed and
consulted with respect to the Marine Park’s management.
As well, a few participants raised the issue of the fact that
the Marine Park generates little in terms of economic
benefits in their area but restricts their practice of certain
activities.
Funding and the generation of revenues
In order to meet requirements regarding the conservation
and presentation of this protected area, new financing
methods must be established. Various options are being
examined, namely access fees, business partnerships,
concessions, leases, etc. The needs and concerns of regional
partners in this regard are an important aspect that must
be taken into account. This funding, additional to the base
budget, will make up for part of the Marine Park’s needs
and make it possible to invest in projects developed with
the participation of regional players.
Technical adjustment of the boundaries of the
coordination zone
Since the adoption of the Management Plan in 1998,
the reorganization of municipalities led to modifications
in the territory of the municipalities of Saguenay and La
Malbaie. The boundaries of the Marine Park’s coordination
zone were adjusted accordingly. As well, the coordination
zone will include the municipality of Les Escoumins in its
entirety.
The sustainability, representativeness and
autonomy of the Coordinating Committee
The Coordinating Committee has been in existence
since 1996 and is the core of the Marine Park’s participatory
management. It seeks increased involvement,
independence in the management of its activities and
greater representation of the areas of activity present
within the area. Furthermore, it also seeks to establish
means of ensuring the sustainability of its operation. Participation
by its members in national and international
events and the establishment of relations with other networks
of marine areas allow it to extend its sphere of influence
and share expertise.
Relations with First Nations within the coordination
zone
The Marine Park’s managers want to maintain the support
and participation of First Nations in the participatory
management process.
7.2 Objectives
Increase the level of consensus with the government
departments and agencies acting within the boundaries of
the Marine Park and coordination zone.
Foster the understanding and support of residents of
the coordination zone with regard to the Marine Park’s
mandate to increase their sense of ownership.
Ensure the participation of local and regional communities
in conservation activities and in the Marine Park’s service
offer.
Favour organizations, local communities and private
businesses within the coordination zone when awarding
contracts or signing research agreements.
7.3 Indicators
Presence and degree of effectiveness of decision-making
and management organizations associated with the
objectives of the Marine Park and exercising recognized
authority.
Existence of a scientific research program adapted to
the needs of the Marine Park, including socioeconomic
aspects, among other things the needs of the visitors.
Comprehension of the objectives of the Marine Park by
the residents of the coordination zone and existence of a
sense of ownership.
Degree of involvement of local and regional organizations
in the fulfilment of the Marine Park’s mandate.
Degree of involvement of the Marine Park in regional
committees.
7.4 Actions
Actions to be carried out in relation to regular
management (ongoing actions):
Improve or create consensus-building and coordination
mechanisms with federal and provincial government
departments by signing formal agreements setting out
common objectives and intervention strategies, for
example the creation of interdepartmental issue tables.
Add members from areas of activity not represented to
the Coordinating Committee or to its advisory boards, as
required Footnote 6.
Increase the financial, professional and technical assistance
granted to the Coordinating Committee.
Produce and disseminate an annual action plan regarding
the monitoring of the Management Plan.
Maintain the participation and commitment of First
Nations.
Ensure the active presence of the Marine Park in the
various regional bodies responsible for planning (e.g.,
RCMs, regional tourist associations, etc.) and with the
residents of the coordination zone through targeted
communications actions.
Raise the awareness of regional authoritative bodies
regarding the importance of protecting ecosystems,
landscapes and waterfront lands.
Develop communication tools to better promote the
Coordinating Committee, its mandate and its achievements
and facilitate its outreach efforts.
Priority action:
Develop and implement a strategy to generate revenues
and establish business partnerships with local partners.
8.0 Conservation of ecosystems and preservation of biodiversity
One of the major objectives of the creation of the Marine Park is
the conservation of species and ecosystems. This environment
is an open and shifting system in which fish, birds and marine
mammals freely move about. The integrity of the ecosystems
must be preserved and we have to assure the management
of species and populations continues. These actions must be
carried out jointly with the governments departments and
regional partners concerned.
Description of the greater park ecosystem
The confluence of the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Saguenay
River, where the waters of the Great Lakes, the Saguenay basin
and the Atlantic Ocean meet, is recognized as an ecologically
exceptional region. The oceanographic conditions that occur
at the confluence of the Saguenay encourage the emergence
of life and the concentration of species at the bottom of the
food chain. The uneven underwater topography, the estuarine
circulation and the regular upwelling of cold water make it a
very distinctive region. The upwelling of cold water at the head
of the Laurentian channel is the most important oceanographic
process of the Marine Park. This phenomenon brings nutrients and zooplankton to the surface and encourages the water’s
oxygenization. The upwellings of cold water following the
rhythm of the tides somewhat act as the heart and lungs of the
Marine Park.
The abundance of food in the Marine Park’s ecosystems attracts
many species of birds, whales and seals. As well, numerous
types of algae, benthic animals and fish have been observed
in the Marine Park. Together, these species form a complex
food chain supporting the significant biodiversity present in
the Marine Park.
Because of the hydrographic and oceanographic divisions,
three ecosystems mark the boundaries of the Marine Park:
the upper estuary, the lower estuary, and the Saguenay Fjord.
Their physical and biological characteristics differ greatly and
their boundaries are less well defined than on land due to the
fluid nature of the marine environment. A mosaic of habitats
nevertheless exists, marked by variations in temperature,
salinity, sea floor and depth. The ecosystems are closely linked,
since the water and species move from one place to another.
The Marine Park includes the shores of Charlevoix, Haute-
Côte-Nord and Saguenay extending over more than 365 km.
The state of health of the marine environment is intimately
linked to the actions of the nearby populations and those of
the watersheds.
The protected areas surrounding the Marine Park, such as
the Parc national du Saguenay, wildlife habitats and the Îles de
l’estuaire National Wildlife Area, also contribute to the health
of the Marine Park’s ecosystems. Swamps, algal banks and fish
spawning grounds, all highly sensitive riparian habitats, require
special protection because they contribute to the maintenance
of biodiversity, one of the elements for which the Marine Park
is known.
An environment subject to great stresses
Processes taking place at the local, regional or greater park
ecosystem level can have a decisive impact on the Marine
Park’s health. Their impact can be positive, such as by causing
the import of zooplankton, or negative, such as by bringing
in toxic pollutants from upstream. An analysis of the state of
the Marine Park was conducted in 2007, ten years after its
creation, to assess these impacts.
Overall, the state of the Marine Park’s ecosystems is cause
for concern, but measures aiming to gradually eliminate the
sources of contamination in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence
watershed have had beneficial effects. The human activity
taking place in and around the Marine Park has profoundly
modified and continues to modify the state of the ecosystems.
Current challenges include improving the management of
wastewater disposal. Human activities, such as the harvesting
of resources, marine traffic and agricultural releases, represent
other sources of stress on species and ecosystems.
Furthermore, when large-scale developments are anticipated
in the coordination zone (e.g., methane port construction
project), the Marine Park presents its concerns through
the environmental assessment processes conducted by the
government departments responsible.
The upper estuary
The upper estuary occupies 53% of the surface area of the
Marine Park. It is characterized by strong tides, relatively wellmixed
waters, wide flats and islands. The state of health of the
upper estuary is undetermined at the moment. Ecologically, it
is the least-known region, making it difficult to assess its status.
However, according to the data available, it is an important
area for the reproduction of various animal species, including
herrings, capelins, seabirds and belugas, making it—as far as
these species are concerned—the Marine Park’s “nursery.”
The lower estuary
The lower estuary occupies 30% of the surface area of the
Marine Park. Its underwater topography is profoundly marked
by the Laurentian channel running alongside the north shore. It
is through this channel that saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean
enters the lower estuary. The head of the Laurentian channel,
characterized by the upwelling of cold water, is located within
the boundaries of the Marine Park. The latter encourages
biological productivity and explains the abundance of marine
life. The state of health of the lower estuary, considered stable,
is deemed to be cause for concern, particularly due to the
contaminants being brought in from upstream, the declining
level of oxygen in deep waters in certain sectors, and the
fluctuations observed over the years in the abundance of
marine mammals migrating to the Marine Park to feed.
The Saguenay Fjord
Classified among the longest fjords in the world, the Saguenay
Fjord is over 105 km long. It covers 17% of the surface area of
the Marine Park. It is made up of three basins defined by sills,
including one shallow (20 m) sill 7 km from the mouth of the
river. When the tide comes in, the Saguenay receives a wealth
of nutrients from the lower estuary, carried by the cold salty
oxygen-rich water carrying plankton that breathes life into the
deepest depths of the fjord. The state of health of the fjord is
deemed to be of concern and deteriorating, particularly due
to the presence of persistent contaminants and the precarity of
demersal fish populations.
The coastal environment and watersheds
The status of the coastal environment and watershed is
also cause for concern. Contaminants carried by rivers and
streams accumulate in the Marine Park. Coastal erosion is also
a growing problem in certain sections of the Park. Increased
development along the coast may adversely affect the quality
of sensitive habitats, such as marshes and spawning grounds.
Biodiversity, one of the main characteristics of the Marine Park
The diversity of the species surveyed in the Marine Park along
the St. Lawrence is remarkable. The number of known species
in the Marine Park seems stable, but the state of the populations
of endangered species and the rising number of threats to their
restoration in the Marine Park are sources of concern.
It is estimated that over 1,000 animal and plant species live in
the Marine Park. This biological diversity can be explained by
the presence of various ecosystems and habitats, the abundance
of food, the fact that certain species are on the edge of their
distribution area and the presence of species usually found in the
Arctic. The biodiversity extends beyond what is immediately
apparent: birds, seals, whales, etc. Several hundred species
of algae, benthic and pelagic animals have been identified in
the Marine Park and form the basis of a complex food chain
governed by very distinctive oceanographic conditions.
Two species of marine mammals live year-round in the
Marine Park: the St. Lawrence beluga (see map 2), designated
a threatened species under the Species at Risk Act and the Act
respecting threatened or vulnerable species, and the harbour seal.
Many other species are attracted, at different times of the year,
by the wealth of food available in the ecosystems, including
the blue whale (see map 3), designated an endangered species
under the Species at Risk Act, the minke whale, the fin whale,
the humpback whale, the harbour porpoise, the harp seal and
the grey seal.
The Marine Park offers excellent habitats for food, rest and
wintering to several species of bird, including the Barrow’s
goldeneye (see map 3), designated a species of special concern
under the Species at Risk Act. The estuary’s islands are
recognized as important reproduction areas for several species
of birds, which depend directly on the waters and flats for
food.
The protection of marine biodiversity is a global issue. The
Marine Park is home to 13 species at risk designated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in
Canada or by the Ministère du Développement durable, de
l’Environnement et des Parcs. In 2007, the governments of
Canada and Quebec signed an agreement for the protection
and restoration of species at risk. The Marine Park is of
great importance for the survival of the St. Lawrence beluga
and Barrow’s goldeneye, since a high proportion of these
populations live in the Marine Park. Over the next few years,
restoration plans will be implemented for some species at
risk (obligation under the Species at Risk Act Footnote 7), and these could
modify the zoning or the way the Marine Park is managed.
The Marine Park is thus the meeting place for several
phenomenons, both ecological and oceanographical, making it
a living environment for a number of species and an attraction
for the humans who live and play there.
8.1 Issues regarding ecosystems and biodiversity
The maintenance of marine biodiversity
Maintenance of the biodiversity is of concern because any
loss of species is irreversible and can lead to changes in
the way the ecosystems work. There are 13 species in the
Marine Park with various risk statuses. Maintenance of
the biodiversity concerns five elements in particular:
The restoration of species at risk and the protection of
their habitat, including the St. Lawrence beluga, the
blue whale, the Atlantic sturgeon and the Barrow’s
goldeneye;
The maintenance of the biodiversity and the state of
health of fish in the fjord;
The protection of foraging species and their spawning
areas and other species with key roles in the
ecosystem;
The protection of sensitive habitats, including swamps
and wetlands;
Harvesting activities (habitat modifications, hunting
and fishing for species at risk, etc.).
Water pollution through wastewater discharges
Wastewater discharges are a direct form of pollution of
the marine environment contributing to the degradation
of the living environments of various animal and plant
species. They come from the sewers of certain nearby
municipalities and various types of ships and pleasure crafts.
This issue concerns the municipalities and commercial
and recreational navigation stakeholders as well as the
federal and provincial government departments with
responsibilities in these areas.
Protection of habitats in the Marine Park
It is essential that the Marine Park preserve the diversity
of habitats and learn more about the essential habitats,
particularly those of species at risk. There are a variety of
habitats that contribute to maintaining the diversity of the
species; they allow for the renewal of fish, bird and marine
mammal populations.
Research and monitoring requirements
An integrated research program that meets the needs of
the Marine Park must be developed with the partners
concerned so as to gain a greater understanding of the
ecosystems and species that make up the Marine Park, so
that they can be better protected. Increasing knowledge
regarding biodiversity, contamination and the various
sources of stress will make it possible to establish adequate
management measures.
Expanding the boundaries of the Marine Park
There are several ecological, biological and sociological
reasons that would justify expanding the Marine Park.
Many participants requested its expansion during the
public consultation. This issue will accordingly need to be
examined in the next few years.
8.2 Objectives
Ensure the protection of key components of the ecosystems
and of other fragile, unique or highly representative
elements.
Protect rare species and populations that in decline,
threatened or vulnerable and, in particular, ensure the
protection, restoration or improvement of habitats
essential to the survival of species.
Foster the development of a culture of conservation in
residents of the coordination zone.
Implement environmental monitoring mechanisms so
as to learn more about and measure the evolution of the
ecosystems in the Marine Park and the effectiveness of the
management terms.
Encourage the work done by research centres and arouse
the interest of academia to produce theses and conduct
research in areas relating to the natural and cultural
heritage.
8.3 Indicators
State of health of ecosystems in the Marine Park (upper
estuary, lower estuary and Saguenay Fjord)
State of the biodiversity
State of the coastal environment and watersheds
8.4 Actions
Actions to be carried out in relation to routine
management (ongoing actions):
Fulfill the obligations allocated to the Marine Park under
the Species at Risk Act and the Act respecting threatened or
vulnerable species, including restoration plans for the
beluga and the blue whale, and the identification, definition
and protection of essential habitats.
Maintain and develop monitoring programs for ecosystems
and activities (e.g., monitoring of food species, oxygen
levels in deep waters, marine observation activities, and
recreational ice fishing), particularly in collaboration with
the Group for research and education on marine mammals
(GREMM).
Set up a research program adapted to the needs of the
Marine Park and implement it in partnership with the
organizations concerned.
Conduct awareness campaigns with the marine industry
and businesses that offer tours in the Marine Park and
working in pleasure boating to institute environmentally
friendly practices.
Pursue the implementation of the conservation plan and
identify priorities for action.
Raise the awareness of residents of the coordination zone
and great watershed as well as of municipal authorities
in regard to the importance of protecting coastal
environments and how such action is linked to the health
of the Marine Park.
Define protection and restoration needs in the Marine
Park (swamps, spawning grounds, etc.) other than those
set out in the zoning plan, and implement appropriate
measures.
Priority action:
Develop a support strategy for stakeholders to improve
wastewater management by municipalities.
Develop a strategy with the region and government
departments involved so that at least one pumping-out
station is installed for boats navigating within the Marine
Park.
Create a working group on the expansion of the Marine
Park’s boundaries to evaluate the proposals submitted
during the public consultations.
Map 2: St. Lawrence Beluga distribution
St. Lawrence Beluga distribution — Text version
This map shows the beluga distribution of Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park. Distribution areas on the map include:
Extensive attendance area, summer
Distribution area of adult pods
Distribution area of adult and young pods
Distribution area of adult and young pods, spring
Distribution area of adult and adult and young pods
Distribution area of adult and adult and young pods, summer
Bounderies of Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park
Map 3: Blue Whale and Barrow's Goldeneye distribution
Blue Whale and Barrow's Goldeneye distribution — Text version
This map shows the blue whale and barrow's goldeneye destribution of Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park. Distribution areas on the map include:
Barrow's goldeneye wintering areas
Blue whale summer distribution area
Bounderies of Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park
9.0 Towards an environmentally sustainable use of resources
The Marine Park’s greatest challenge is increasing the
protection of marine ecosystems for conservation purposes
while encouraging their environmentally sustainable use, thus
leading to positive effects on the environment, the economy, and
the social environment. This means that the ecosystems must
be used taking into account their limits in providing services
and resources, while protecting the biological diversity and
maintaining the structures and functions of the ecosystems.
The managers of the Marine Park must accordingly set the
framework for the activities they manage so as to promote the
attainment of this objective. They have the support of other
government departments and agencies of Canada and Quebec
acting within the scope of their jurisdictions. By serving as
project managers, the managers of the Marine Park promote
consensus-building with all the players involved.
Of all the activities that take place in the Marine Park, marine
tours, and particularly whale watching and viewing the
surrounding landscapes, are the most popular. Commercial use of resources
and pleasure boating, sea kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, land-based
whale watching, fishing and hunting are other activities
that take place in the Park.
Marine traffic and activities
Marine traffic includes all crossings by ships of various categories
through the Marine Park: ferries, large ships, cruise ships, tour
boats and pleasurecrafts. According to statistics from various
sources, motorized marine traffic represents approximately
91,000 crossings or outings per year in the Marine Park, of
which 42,000 are attributable to ferries (see table 2). Sea tours
for whale watching and viewing the surrounding landscapes
are very popular. Indeed, 274,036 people took part in such
tours in the Marine Park in 2005, in addition to 132,194 cruise
ship passengers. In addition to this are pleasure boating and sea
kayaking, popular recreational activities in the Marine Park.
They allow for a more individual appreciation and discovery
of the marine environment. Accordingly, in 2005 there were
24,300 visit-days by pleasure boaters.
Table 2. Main activities not involving harvesting practised in the Marine Park
and order of magnitude of inflow per year Footnote 8
Marine traffic is more intense in the summer, the period in
which most wildlife species converge on the Marine Park
to feed and reproduce. The most highly frequented sector is
where the Saguenay and St. Lawrence meet.
Marine traffic generates various environmental impacts,
including contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons and
antifouling paint, underwater noise, and collisions with
marine mammals. The effects of marine traffic on the number
of whales in the St. Lawrence and Saguenay are not known, in
particular because several sources of stresses act simultaneously
on populations. However, elsewhere around the world, the
effects of marine traffic on dolphin (Bejder, 2006), killer
whale (Williams et al., 2006) and right whale (Kraus et al.,
2005) populations have been shown.
The use of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Saguenay by large
ships for commercial navigation requires the coordination of
all players to reduce potential risks to public safety and the
environment. Accordingly, shipowners and port authorities
have implemented terms of operation in order to reduce
collisions and accident risks.
Hunting and fishing activities
Many activities involving the harvesting of biological resources
take place in the Marine Park, including commercial fishing,
recreational ice fishing, recreational summer fishing and
shellfish harvesting. Seal and migratory bird hunting complete
the list.
9.1 Issues of environmentally sustainable use
Respecting the environment and regulations in
the conduct of marine activities
The protection of marine mammals and the environment
during marine activities is an important issue. The
implementation of the Marine Activities Regulations in
2002 was one initiative taken by the authorities responsible
for the Marine Park in view of this objective. We must make
sure that marine activities are carried out in consideration
of the environment while providing visitors with a quality
experience. Monitoring and awareness activities must also
be stepped up to make sure the Regulations are respected
and to enhance the quality of the visitor experience. In
public consultations, several interventions dealt with
subjects associated with the Regulations and their
enforcement, namely licence classes, the concentration
of observation activities at the mouth of the Saguenay,
home ports, licence transfers, etc. These elements have
been under examination since the start of the review of
the Regulations launched in 2007, in collaboration with
the persons and organizations concerned.
Adoption and implementation of the zoning
plan
The adoption and implementation of the zoning plan also
constitutes a very important aspect of this Management
Plan. Zoning is an important management tool, aiming to
ensure the protection of ecosystems, habitats and species
associated with the Marine Park and to broaden the
quality of the visitor experience and the environmentally
sustainable use of this protected area (see section 12
regarding this theme specifically).
Commercial fishing
Commercial fishing activities in the estuarial portion of
the Marine Park are cause for concern given the lack
of knowledge regarding the degree of harvesting, the
role played by each species in the ecosystem and the
renewal of the species exploited. A prudent approach
must accordingly be adopted in the management of
commercial fishing. The establishment of management
measures specific to the Marine Park would make it
possible to ensure the sustainability of the resources and
the maintenance of biological diversity. In collaboration
with DFO, management principles for the model fishery
taking place in the Marine Park are currently being
developed. No commercial harvesting is allowed in the
Saguenay Fjord.
Recreational fishing
Recreational fishing activities are also cause for concern,
as harvest rates do not necessarily take into account the
capacity of the ecosystems to sustain these activities. For
example, in the Saguenay Fjord, where ice fishing is very
popular, it has been observed that the renewal signs of the
demersal fish stocks are not very encouraging. In fact, a
significant decline in demersal fish populations has been
noted since 1999 in the Saguenay. A drop in ice fishing
catches has been observed. Accordingly, the authorities
responsible for the Marine Park and its partners need to
continue to monitor the situation to learn more about
the particular characteristics of these fish populations.
Furthermore, appropriate management measures will
have to be applied. Several research projects have been
launched to gain an understanding of the situation.
Marine traffic
The risks cause by marine traffic and its increase are a
concern for the Marine Park with regard to public safety,
the environment, and Park use conflicts. The greater the
increase in traffic, the greater the risk of collision between
ships and marine mammals. Sectors at risk are located in
particular on the seaway and in the intense traffic area at
the mouth of the Saguenay. Marine traffic is also a source
of pollution and disturbance for marine mammals. The
Marine Park’s managers want government departments,
the authorities responsible, industry, and regional players to
coordinate their actions to minimize risks and implement
appropriate measures. This issue is already the subject of
a particular focus given the socioeconomic impacts and
impacts on conservation and the visitor experience.
9.2 Objectives
Manage activities involving the harvesting of resources
following the principle of environmentally sustainable use
and in consideration of the ecosystems.
Foster consensus-building through agreements that
will contribute to the attainment of the Marine Park’s
protection and presentation objectives, particularly in the
area of fishing and marine traffic.
Acquire the knowledge needed to assess the repercussions
of the conduct of activities on resources and ecosystems,
as well as of the conduct of other recreational and tourist
activities carried out in the Marine Park.
Raise the awareness of residents and visitors of the various
activities and their impacts on ecosystems and species.
9.3 Indicators
Monitoring of activities not involving the harvesting of
resources
Monitoring of activities involving the harvesting of
resources
9.4 Actions
Actions to be performed in relation to routine
management (ongoing actions):
Pursue and improve the monitoring of ice fishing in
the Saguenay Fjord so as to determine the state of fish
populations, in collaboration with the various groups and
government departments concerned by this activity.
Priority action:
Establish a plan for marine activities so as to consolidate the
actions of the Marine Park managers and their partners.
This plan also deals with the issue of the management of
the area where the Saguenay and St. Lawrence meet.
Establish a working group and create a commercial fishing
sub-area specific to the Marine Park in collaboration
with the government departments responsible, including
DFO.
Implement, with DFO, model fishery management
principles (see box).
Create a standing issue table with the authorities
responsible for managing marine traffic in the Marine
Park.
Other actions:
Work in collaboration with First Nations in the coordination
zone to achieve the sustainable fishing objectives.
Implement an integrated recreational fishing management
system.
Coordinate planning for the Marine Park with the
development plans of regional county municipalities,
regarding for example the protection of swamps, spawning
grounds, landscapes and watersheds.
Management principles for the model fishery in the Marine Park
The application of an ecosystem-based approach to management aims to ensure that management decisions regarding the use of resources and the
protection of habitats and species within the Marine Park take into account the dynamic and interactive nature of marine ecosystems, human interactions
with the latter and their limited capacity to recover following man-caused disturbances.
The precautionary principle advocates prudence in all interventions that could modify the natural environment. It is particularly important to proceed
in this manner when only a portion of the facts regarding ecosystems, habitats and species are known.
The Marine Park is part of a network of national marine conservation areas as well as of Quebec’s network of parks and considers, within its Management
Plan, a zoning plan defining the degree of conservation and level of use of this area. Fishing activities must respect this plan, established based on
the scientific information available on the ecosystems, habitats and species. The social and economic impacts of each activity carried out in the Marine
Park have also been taken into account.
The development of plans and the application of fishery management measures affecting the activities carried out within the boundaries of the Marine
Park must take the latter’s conservation objectives into account and will remain the responsibility of DFO. They will be established in consultation with
the clientele exploiting marine resources, the provincial government, and Parks Canada.
Native communities will be able to continue their fishing activities in the Marine Park based on the agreements established and in consideration of
conservation objectives for the targeted ecosystems, habitats and species.
Fishing activities must not target species designated under the Canada Species at Risk Act or listed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered
Wildlife in Canada, or species designated or registered on the threatened or vulnerable species list under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable
species, as well as unique populations.
10.0 Heritage presentation: a memorable experience for residents and visitors
The Marine Park can be discovered using a marine and landbased
itinerary presenting themes established based on the
natural and cultural resources present in the various places of
interest. The themes link together the area’s multiple potentials,
thus creating a network of discovery areas for which managers
must work in collaboration and in complementarity.
Throughout the year, the Marine Park offers residents and
visitors a range of memorable discovery experiences that
encourage them to develop a personal connection to the
places, ecosystems and nearby communities. Experiences at
the Marine Park also encourage the development of a culture of
conservation. A visitor experience at the Marine Park includes
preparation, a tour of the Park, impressions and memories that
remain after the trip is over. Furthermore, during the public
consultation, several participants expressed a strong interest
in collaborating in the establishment of activities and services.
The Marine Park’s coordination zone disposes of accommodation
and service infrastructures ready to serve the various
clienteles visiting the region. Access to the water is ensured
through a total of 18 wharves, 9 marinas, 16 landing stages
for boarding and disembarking passengers and 15 launching
ramps.
Furthermore, the heritage presentation rests on the following
principles:
Consideration for the activities, experience, particularities
and interests of the various communities within the
coordination zone, including Native communities.
The distribution of the themes, their relevance, their
uniqueness and their complementarity.
The take-over, by third parties, of sites, equipment and
activities contributing to the presentation of the Marine
Park.
A limitation of the impacts of attendance on the marine
resources, shore environments and communities within
the coordination zone.
The use and extension of the results of scientific research
projects.
A well-developed and inviting network of discovery areas
In this Management Plan, the notions of Major Activity Area and
Theme Site will no longer be used. Now, the concept revolves
around the notion of discovery areas. The network includes 25
discovery areas and 5 visitor reception and orientation centres
spread out around the Marine Park.
Discovery areas (see map 4) allow visitors to carry out
educational and recreational activities and connect with
the marine environment. Most of these sites have facilities
and services designed for the enjoyment of residents and
visitors in the surrounding area. These include, namely,
museums, observation sites and interpretation centres run
by Parks Canada, Parcs Québec and private and municipal
organizations.
The visitor reception and orientation centres are located
near the boundaries of the Marine Park. They provide visitors
with information on the many Park-related activities, events,
regulations and services and the different ways to have a quality
visitor experience.
Close collaboration between regional, institutional and private
partners and the governments makes it possible to coordinate
the numerous conservation and presentation interventions
carried out in the Marine Park.
Proposals for new discovery areas were formulated as part of the
public consultation. These requests will be documented, based
on in situ potentials and their relevance, the complementarity
of their themes with existing discovery areas and the level of
regional commitment. The priority will, however, be granted
to the completion of existing sites.
Cultural resources and landscape
The Marine Park and its coordination zone form a living,
inhabited environment with a rich cultural heritage. The
richness of the marine environment explains the presence
of Amerindians from the prehistoric era and the interest of
the first Europeans. Numerous archaeological sites have been
identified, in particular at Cap de Bon-Désir, where 8,000-year-old artefacts have been discovered. In fact, the long history of
human occupation in the territory surrounding the Marine
Park and the decisive impact of the clash of the Amerindian
and European civilizations make it a place of importance in
North American history.
Given the strategic importance of the area, many ships have
sailed its waterways. The difficult sailing conditions caused
a number of shipwrecks, which explains the presence of
the lighthouses that are now part of the coastal and marine
landscape.
Studies conducted in the last few years uncovered a series of
cultural components submerged within the boundaries of the
Marine Park and representative of the activities that have taken
place in this sector over the years. Among them are shipwrecks
mainly dating back to the 19th century, logging sites of which
certain elements (wharves, locks, support structures) are now
submerged, and old wharves associated with navigation on the
various bodies of water.
Summary description of the discovery areas
This section provides a brief description of the discovery areas
and the presentation focus areas and themes to date associated
with the latter. Detailed information on these strategic areas
and themes will be presented in the future interpretation and
education plan.
Map 4: Land and water discovery network
Land and water discovery network — Text version
This map shows the land and water discovery network of sites of Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park. Areas on the map include:
Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park
Parc national du Saguenay
Discovery areas
Reception and orientation centre
Dock
Launching ramp
Marina
Pontoon
Mooring buoy
Saguenay Fjord Sector
Saint-Fulgence: A unique spit and marsh in the fjord
The Saint-Fulgence spit is a unique fluvial feature in the upper
reaches of the Saguenay Fjord. This sector includes a brackish
marsh where numerous bird species have found a hospitable
habitat. The observation trails give visitors the opportunity to
watch the birds and discover the site, which is now protected
thanks to the Centre d’interprétation des battures et de
réhabilitation des oiseaux (CIBRO).
Saguenay: A city and fjord where harmony is possible
The borough of La Baie is known as the tourist and marine
centre of the City of Saguenay. The municipal wharf is where
the Marine Park visitor reception and orientation centre for
this upstream area of the Marine Park will be located. It is also
where the terminal for international cruises will be built. The facilities at Parc Mars and Musée du Fjord enhance
the visitors’ understanding of the present-day relationship
between urban populations and the marine environment, a
theme that is addressed at the museum. The La Baie marina is
an important location for the region’s marine activities and for
the Marine Park’s maritime network.
L’Anse-à-la-Croix: Changes in a riverside settlement over the
centuries
During a guided tour of the Site de la Nouvelle-France, visitors
discover recreations of a Huron village, the Ferme des Cent
Associés, the upper and lower town of 17th century Québec
City and the beginnings of colonization. The settlement at
Anse-à-la-Croix over the centuries and the importance of the
fjord for the people who lived and worked there are themes
that will be added to the present tour. The presentation of
various activities that took place on the site (Amerindian
settlement, sawmills, wharves, etc.) will enhance the present
service offer. A landing stage provides access for boats.
Sainte-Rose-du-Nord: A picturesque town on the Saguenay
Fjord
This town’s reputation as a picturesque site extends well
beyond the region. The tranquillity and beauty of its valley
landscape over the Saguenay makes it a popular location and
short hikes can be taken to spectacular lookouts around the
area. Its wharf and facilities contribute to the Marine Park’s
service offer, especially for cruises on the fjord and kayaking.
Baie Éternité: At the heart of the Saguenay Fjord
The Baie-Éternité sector is a spectacular natural setting
surrounded by breathtaking cliffs over 400 metres high. Parc
national du Saguenay offers services and facilities for public
enjoyment. Through the exhibit at the discovery and service
centre and the various trails, visitors can learn more about
the fjord’s geological and biological features. In the winter,
Baie-Éternité offers ice fishing in a protected environment. A
landing stage and mooring buoys are also provided for visitor
use.
L’Anse-Saint-Jean: A marine stop-over in the middle of the
fjord
This town is a popular tourist destination because of the quality
of its environment and the diversity of services it offers. Long hiking trails from Parc national du Saguenay crisscross
the area. A coastal trail linking the marina and the municipal
campground is planned for the future. A road leads to Anse de
Tabatière where a lookout offers a magnificent view over the
fjord. Ice fishing is a popular winter activity. Located at the
mid-point of the fjord, the town attracts boating and kayaking
enthusiasts and visitors going on marine tours who use the
facilities at the marine complex.
Baie Sainte-Marguerite: A critical habitat for the beluga
An important sector of Parc national du Saguenay, the delta of
the Sainte-Marguerite River is in a constant state of renewal
because of the rising and ebbing tides. The mouth of Baie
Sainte-Marguerite is a regular gathering place for belugas in
the summer. There is a discovery and service centre devoted
to the beluga, a campground, a picnic area, a lookout, hiking
trails and a footbridge linking the two sides of the Sainte-
Marguerite River. Interpretation panels recall the existence of
a sawmill operated by the Price Brothers company from 1885
to 1920.
Petit-Saguenay: Extending far into the fjord
From the long wharf at Petit-Saguenay, visitors can see far
down the fjord in both directions. The themes presented
here are the history of the town and the resources found in
the region of the fjord, including salmon fishing and logging.
Visitors can walk along a trail that links the town to L’Anse-
Saint-Jean, enjoying numerous vistas over the fjord along the
way. A landing stage provides access to small boats.
L’Anse-de-Roche: A fjord that “goes with the flow”
Here visitors get the chance to enjoy a distinctive panorama
over the Saguenay Fjord and experience the powerful
elements of nature at work. On the L’Anse-de-Roche wharf,
interpretation panels present certain features of the fjord’s
marine environment and hazardous navigation corridor. A
marina and boat launch ramp are available for pleasure boaters
and kayakers.
L’Anse-Saint-Étienne: A town, a sawmill
Built on the site of a former town where a Price Company
sawmill was built in 1900, L’Anse-Saint-Étienne has interesting
geomorphological and historical features. Hiking trails
provide access to viewpoints over the fjord.
Confluence sector, strategic site of the Marine Park
Located at the confluence of the Saguenay and the St. Lawrence
Estuary, Tadoussac and Baie-Sainte-Catherine are closely
connected by the natural environment and a common history.
Their wharves are the departure points for most of the Marine
Park’s boat tours.
Tadoussac: A crossroads
Once a meeting place for Amerindian nations and an important
crossroads for European and Amerindian civilizations,
Tadoussac has become an international tourist destination.
Its bay is a member of The Most Beautiful Bays in the World.
Tourist facilities at Tadoussac give visitors the chance to
discover the various facets of the town, including the marine
mammal interpretation centre, trails, Maison des Dunes, the
Pierre-Chauvin trading post and a heritage tour. The area
around the wharf offers all the services and facilities to meet
the needs of the boating clientele.
Baie-Sainte-Catherine: A spectacular view over the
confluence
The Baie-Sainte-Catherine coastline offers a multitude of opportunities
for visitors to observe the oceanographic features
and marine birds typical of the confluence. Several sites offer
spectacular views from various viewpoints: the Pointe-Noire
Interpretation and Observation Centre, the wharf where marine
tours depart, the beach, the tourist rest area and Pointeaux-
Alouettes. This point, where the French-Amerindian Alliance
took place in 1603, is an interesting historical site. Place
de l’Alliance, in the heart of the village, commemorates this
event. An addition to the present service offer could be a heritage
tour featuring the cultural and biophysical characteristics
that have shaped the use and history of the region.
Upper estuary sector
La Malbaie: Western gateway to the Park
At Cap-à-l’Aigle, the marine gateway upriver from the Marine
Park, the marina is one of the few safe havens for pleasure
boaters between Québec City and Tadoussac. The wharf offers
a viewpoint over Gros Cap à l’Aigle, at the Marine Park’s
southwestern boundary.
It is via highway 138 at Saint-Fidèle that the majority of visitors
arrive and get their first glimpse of the Marine Park. Its visitor
reception and orientation centre directs them to the Marine
Park’s attractions and points of interest.
Port-au-Saumon: The upper estuary of the St. Lawrence:
a world to discover
The Centre écologique de Port-au-Saumon has been working
in the field of environmental education and awareness for nearly
50 years. Interpretation of the upper estuary is presented there
through programs adapted to the various clienteles that come
to visit or stay. Port-au-Saumon is located in an important area
of the Charlevoix World Biosphere Reserve.
16. and 17. Saint-Siméon: Linking land and sea
Located at the intersection of highway 170, highway 138 and
the ferry crossing to Rivière-du-Loup, Saint-Siméon has a
range of reception, accommodation and restaurant facilities.
The beach and campgrounds are very popular with tourists
visiting the Charlevoix coast. The ferry and marine terminal
have good potential for highlighting certain features peculiar
to the Marine Park. Marine tours are available in the area
around the wharf.
Baie-des-Rochers, a beautiful natural setting and sole access
to the coast in this area, is one of the few places in the estuary
where you can see a complete receding of the waters at
low tide. It is a wintering ground for Barrow’s goldeneye, a
species designated as of concern under the Species at Risk
Act. A veritable window over the upper estuary for the local
population and nature lovers, the site is a municipal park with
hiking, picnic and lookout facilities.
Port-au-Persil, a haven of tranquility, is a picturesque town
that has inspired many an artist. The cachet of Port-au-Persil
is a source of pride for local residents. The nature of the town
and the tranquility it radiates make it important to protect
the integrity of its architecture and landscape. Facilities of a
simple and discreet design will be built in partnership with
the municipality to welcome visitors driving along the scenic
route.
Lower estuary sector
and 19. Les Bergeronnes: An age-old relationship between
man and the sea
Les Bergeronnes has numerous prehistoric sites where
archaeological excavations have shown the presence of humans
dating back 8,000 years. At the Centre Archéo-Topo, mandated
to present the archaeological value of the North Shore, visitors
discover the age-old relationship between humans and the sea.
The municipality also provides lodging, picnic, camping and
sea kayaking facilities. The mouth of the Grandes and Petites
Bergeronnes rivers features marshes. Numerous marine tours
leave from the Les Bergeronnes marina.
At the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation
Centre run by Parks Canada, visitor reception and interpretation
services are provided in collaboration with partners in the
community. At the centre, visitors will discover the history of
navigation on the St. Lawrence and observe marine mammals
from the shore. Guided hikes along the shoreline focus on the
interaction between the land and the sea. A request was made
to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada to grant
this place national historic site status due to its cultural resources
demonstrating the site’s importance to understanding
the livelihood of the Amerindian populations that lived there,
and more specifically the importance of seals for their subsistence.
The Sentier polyvalent du club Morillon is a trail that runs
along the shoreline between Les Bergeronnes and Essipit,
with interpretation panels featuring endangered species in the
Marine Park.
Les Escoumins et Essipit: It’s all about the lower estuary
The towns of Les Escoumins and Essipit face the lower estuary,
the region in the Marine Park where the most distinctive
oceanographic conditions are found. The Marine Environment
Discovery Centre operated in partnership with Parks Canada
and local organizations, features the different faces of the
estuary, both under and above water. This area is well known
for scuba diving, providing quality underwater landscapes
and full diving services, as well as the observation of marine
mammals from the shore.
The Innu people of Essipit take part in the Marine Park’s
service offer by presenting the various aspects of their past and present-day culture. Les Escoumins is the gateway to the
Marine Park for visitors coming from the North Shore tourist
region and a visitor reception and orientation centre is located
in the offices of the Corporation de développement touristique
des Escoumins.
Other marine services provided are a wharf for the ferry to
Trois-Pistoles and a wharf for the St. Lawrence pilots that is
also used as a landing stage for marine tour boats.
South shore sector
Rivière-du-Loup: An archipelago, a living and historical
environment
Rivière-du-Loup is the main access point to the Marine Park
from the south shore. The La Pointe sector is the proposed
site for a major project to consolidate and modernize the
port facilities serving the ferry between Rivière-du-Loup and
Saint-Siméon. Various activities take place in the area around
the wharf, including cruises to islands in the estuary and
the observation of marine mammals. A Marine Park visitor
reception and orientation centre is located in Rivière-du-
Loup. The marina provides services for pleasure boaters and
is one of the stops along the Route bleue, a marine discovery
trail for smaller watercraft.
L’île aux Lièvres et les îles du Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie: Protected islands
Located within the boundaries of the Marine Park, Île aux
Lièvres and Îles du Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie offer an exceptional
experience for discovering an island setting in the upper
estuary. Owned by the Société Duvetnor, wildlife habitats are
protected on the islands and its lighthouse, proud symbol of
Quebec’s marine heritage, has been restored.
La baie de L’Isle-Verte: Salt marshes
This bay is home to one of the last great Spartina marshes
of the St. Lawrence Estuary. A National Wildlife Reserve
managed by Environment Canada protects this natural area
featuring diverse plant and bird life. In addition, the Ramsar
Convention has designated the marsh a wetland of international
importance. Visitors have access to an interpretation centre and
can explore the marsh and intertidal zone. They can complete
their visit to the area with a trip to Île Verte where the oldest
lighthouse (1809) on the St. Lawrence, designated a national
historic site of Canada, stands.
Trois-Pistoles: The Basque adventure in North America
At Trois-Pistoles, the Parc de l’aventure basque en Amérique
presents the history and culture of the Basques who came to
hunt whales in the St. Lawrence in the 16th century. The town,
another south shore gateway to the Marine Park, has a visitor
reception and orientation centre that directs visitors to the
attractions of the Marine Park found in this area. Trois-Pistoles
has a ferry service to Les Escoumins and a marina.
L’Île aux Basques: A national historic site in the St. Lawrence
Estuary
Île-aux-Basques National Historic Site of Canada commemorates
the presence of Basques who came to hunt whales in
the early 17th century. On the site are the remains of ovens
used to melt whale blubber. The island is home to colonies of
great blue herons and numerous species of birds. The Société
Provancher d’histoire naturelle du Canada owns the island and
packages are offered to visitors.
10.1 Issues regarding visitor experiences
Improvement of the Marine Park’s visibility at
discovery areas and water access points
Signposting for facilities in the coordination zone is not
sufficient to allow visitors and users to be aware that they
are at a discovery area providing access to the Marine
Park.
Completion of the network of discovery areas
and accreditation of partners
The issue consists in completing existing discovery areas
as a priority. The network’s completion will also require
the establishment of partnerships with the authorities
responsible for the sites. Since the Marine Park’s
creation, facilities have been built at 17 discovery areas.
The establishment of a functional network associating
the partner organizations responsible for running these
sites is the cornerstone for ensuring the Marine Park’s
presentation. Completion of the network will also require
that agreements be established (accreditation of partners)
outlining common objectives and reciprocal commitments
for each site.
Improvements to and diversification of the
experiences offered to residents and visitors
The Marine Park would like to enhance the experiences
available to visitors and residents by diversifying activities
and offering high-quality services. For example, the themes
presented during marine tours should better reflect the
richness and diversity of the marine environment. As
well, greater knowledge of the expectations and needs of
visitors and Park users will make it easier to improve the
service offer.
The protection of cultural resources and
landscapes
The issue consists in protecting cultural resources
and landscapes while encouraging their discovery and
understanding by residents and visitors. The protection
of marine and underwater landscapes also constitutes a
concern whose solution will require the participation
of a number of stakeholders. For example, the islands
and lighthouses are important elements contributing to
the visual quality of the marine landscape, making their
protection essential.
10.2 Objectives
Increase awareness and understanding of the Marine Park’s
natural processes and phenomena to give rise to a culture
of conservation and participation in the protection of the
environment.
Integrate the results of scientific research projects in
interpretation programs.
Describe and explain the nature of the ancient links
between man and the marine environment to increase
understanding of man’s use of the area.
Foster partnerships through agreements that will
contribute to the attainment of the Marine Park’s
protection and presentation objectives.
Foster a sense of security in visitors.
Foster the ecotourism approach with regard to the
activities and services available in the Marine Park.
10.3 Indicators
Resident and visitor motivators
Range of experiences offered to residents and visitors
Safe, quality services that meet the needs of residents and
visitors
Sense of ownership of residents and visitors with respect
to the Marine Park
10.4 Actions
Actions to be performed in relation to routine
management (ongoing actions):
Encourage marine activities respectful of the environment,
ecosystems and regulations.
Finalize the land and marine signposting plan in collaboration
with the Ministère des Transports du Québec, among
others.
Improve the educational programs.
Encourage the training of regional tourism partners:
reception officers, captains, naturalists, international
cruise managers, etc.
Collaborate with regional authorities for the protection of
marine and underwater landscapes.
Regularly update the public safety plan.
Update and implement the communications plan.
Implement a theme presenting the culture and contribution
of the Native communities.
Conduct socioeconomic studies to learn more about the
perceptions, needs and expectations of residents and
visitors.
Complete, as a priority and jointly with local partners,
existing discovery areas.
Protect and present the Marine Park’s cultural
components.
Priority action:
Produce and implement an interpretation and education
plan Footnote 10.
Produce a Marine Park partner accreditation policy and
proceed with the signing of designation agreements.
Other actions:
Improve the network of existing water access points in
collaboration with regional players, in particular with the
addition of signs indicating the presence of the Marine
Park.
Document and analyze proposals for new discovery
areas.
11.0 Public education and awareness
Developing the public’s knowledge and appreciation of the
Marine Park requires effective communications with local and
regional communities, and with outside people who do not
visit the Marine Park. The goal is to incite public support and
participation in the protection and presentation of the Marine
Park and marine protected areas in general.
Education and awareness involves outreach actions intended
for people not visiting the Marine Park. These people can
discover the Marine Park through educational and awareness
programs, such as school programs, outreach programs
(exhibits, conferences, etc.) and websites.
It is important to increase interaction with the general
population to gain its support for the Marine Park’s mission.
In fact, during the public consultation, participants expressed
their interest in collaborating in education and awareness
efforts.
11.1 Issues regarding education and
awareness
Increasing education and awareness efforts
External clienteles’ knowledge and appreciation of the
Marine Park are currently deficient in certain respects. The
implementation of educational and awareness programs will
encourage the emergence of support networks for the Marine
Park and its conservation objectives at the regional, national
and international levels.
The notoriety and positioning of the Marine
Park
The Marine Park must increase its notoriety and make
itself known by the residents of the coordination zone
and the general population. The notoriety of the Marine
Park has increased since its creation; however, additional
communications and promotional efforts are required to
raise awareness of the Park and its objectives on a larger
scale.
11.2 Objectives
Increase the awareness of the Marine Park.
Foster understanding of the Marine Park’s objectives
and develop a culture of conservation in residents of the
coordination zone and external clienteles.
Target a higher number of young people through school
and other programs.
Provide up-to-date information on the Marine Park
through the website or other means to local and regional
communities, students, and everyone interested in the
Marine Park.
11.3 Indicators
Scope of educational and awareness actions
Sense of ownership and culture of conservation in residents
of the coordination zone and general public
Number of students taking part in school programs
11.4 Actions
Actions to be performed in relation to routine
management (ongoing actions):
Implement school programs with partners.
Implement the educational strategy for species at risk.
Implement, in partnership, Marine Park showcases in the
municipalities in the coordination zone and in metropolitan
areas.
Conduct or use socioeconomic studies to gain a better
understanding of the needs, expectations and perceptions
of the various external clienteles.
Priority action:
Update and implement the communications plan (website,
newsletters, relations with the regional community and
the media, etc.).
Produce and implement an interpretation and education
plan targeting external clienteles.
12.0 Zoning plan
Zoning is a management tool designed to protect the ecosystems,
habitats and species associated with the Marine Park, and to
promote the visitor experience and security and the ecologically
sustainable use of this protected area Footnote 11.
Marine Park legislation stipulates four types of zones:
Zone I : Comprehensive preservation zone
Zone II : Specific protection zone
Zone III : General protection zone
Zone IV : General use zone
For each of these zones, the degree of protection required is
determined taking into account conservation priorities, the
environment’s support capacity and its use.
Method
Zoning of the Marine Park was subject to a consultation process
that included targeted groups and the government departments
involved. This consultation took place in two stages. A first
zoning proposal was presented and was the subject of discussions
in the form of multisectoral workshops in June 2005. From
this consultation, a new proposal was developed, presented
and discussed in special meetings with representatives of the
government departments involved and targeted groups. Finally,
this proposal was presented at the Management Plan Review
public consultation and adjustments were made as a result of the
comments received.
This zoning was established taking into account legislation and
regulations governing the Marine Park, the scientific data available
and the activities practised within the Park by residents of the
coordination zone and visitors.
Ecological classification and geographical
subdivisions of the Marine Park area
To establish a zoning that is easily identifiable by users, the
natural division of the three major ecosystems was used: the
upper estuary, the lower estuary and the Saguenay Fjord.
The Marine Park was also subdivided into 16 geographical
sectors sometimes made up of a number of subsectors, based
on the location of particular ecosystems or habitats and taking
into account the main areas of activity. The boundaries of
each of the sectors and subsectors were established based on
reference points.
The six types of activities
An analysis of the activities practised in the area of the Marine
Park identified 6 types of activities:
Activities not in compliance with the Marine Park’s mandate
Scientific research activities
Educational, recreational and commercial activities not
involving the harvesting of natural resources
Educational or recreational activities involving the harvesting
of natural resources
Commercial activities involving the harvesting of renewable
natural resources
Essential public services
All activities can have a more or less significant impact on the
composition, structure and functions of the marine ecosystems.
However, various types of activities and their management
entail a different risk regarding their potential impact on the
marine environment due to their intensity and socioeconomic
aspects. The identification of these types of activities plays an
important role in the definition of protection, education and
use objectives for each zone.
Activities not in compliance with the Marine Park’s
mandate and eventual bans
All forms of prospecting, any utilization, harnessing or
harvesting of resources for mining or energy production
purposes and the laying of oil or gas pipelines or power lines
are prohibited within the confines of the Park Footnote 12.
As well, table 3 presents the activities not in compliance with
the Marine Park’s mandate. These activities will be banned
through the adoption of regulations.
Table 3. Activities in the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park that will eventually be banned
Building of artificial reefs
Jetskiing* and hovercraft
Towing sports: waterskiing, lifting parachutes and other related sports
Commercial services relating to migratory bird hunting (guides, outfitters, etc.)
Dredging operations other than periodic maintenance dredging and any other
activity that could lead to the re-suspension of contaminated sediments
Installation of new wharves
Immersion of solid wastes in the ocean
Rip rap stabilization work unrelated to essential public infrastructures
Activities that lead to the destruction and alteration of marshes and green intertidal
zones
Motorized vehicles within the intertidal zones
Aquaculture
* A water-jet driven vessel with an enclosed hull and no cockpit that is designed to be used by one or
more persons who are stradding, sitting, standing or kneeling (vessel operation restriction regulations
of Canada Shipping Act 2001).
12.1 Objectives of each zone
Protection, education and use objectives were established for
each type of zone. A Zone I designation ensures that an area is
to be completely preserved with a minimum of activity. Zones
II, III and IV gradually allow activities that are compatible with
the degree of protection designated for the Park’s ecosystems
and habitats while excluding activities banned by Marine
Park legislation and those that are not in compliance with its
mandate.
Zone I: Comprehensive preservation
Protection objective
The aim of this zone is to ensure the strict protection of rare,
sensitive or vulnerable ecosystems, habitats, communities or
species, and cultural resources deemed significant.
Education objective
The aim of this zone is to educate Park users and the public
as to the importance of protecting exceptional ecosystems,
habitats, communities and species through outreach and
various off-site means of interpretation.
Park use objective
The aim of this zone is to promote an experience using
virtual tools and interpretation activities offered outside of
the comprehensive preservation zone and off-site. Only wellsupervised
scientific research activities can be authorized. This
zone may also be used to resolve Park use conflicts through
strict protection of a section of the marine environment
located off land observation sites to ensure that the sites remain
undisturbed and offer a quality visitor experience.
Zone II: Specific preservation
Protection objective
The aim of this zone is to ensure the protection of the
representative marine ecosystems of the Saguenay Fjord and
St. Lawrence Estuary, as well as the highly representative, rare
or vulnerable habitats and species so as to maintain biodiversity.
This zone can also serve as a buffer zone on the periphery of
Zone I areas to increase their protection.
Education objective
This zone provides Park users and visitors with opportunities
to enjoy and discover ecosystems, habitats, communities or
representative, rare or vulnerable species by emphasizing their
importance for the ecosystem through educational activities
and outreach.
Park use objective
This zone promotes opportunities for Park users and visitors
to enjoy and discover a relatively undisturbed marine
environment. Pleasure boating, marine tours, cruises, scuba
diving and commercial navigation by large ships are permitted.
However, no harvesting of natural resources is permitted,
except in specific cases. Scientific research is fostered and
overseen in this zone.
Zone III: General protection
Protection objective
This zone ensures the general protection of marine ecosystems,
their structure and their functions as well as of habitats and
species that tolerate harvesting.
Education objective
This zone promotes opportunities for Park users and visitors
to learn about biodiversity, environmentally sustainable uses
of the Park, and means of protecting ecosystems, habitats, and
species through a wide range of interpretation activities.
Park use objective
This zone promotes a range of educational and recreational
activities that may or may not involve the harvesting of natural
resources. Pleasure boating, marine tours, cruises, scuba
diving and commercial navigation by large ships are permitted.
Recreational hunting and fishing activities are also permitted.
Scientific research is fostered and overseen in this zone.
Zone IV: General use
Protection objective
This zone ensures that the structures and functions of marine
ecosystems are maintained. It ensures the protection of species,
habitats and ecosystems of less concern capable of tolerating
harvesting.
Education objective
This zone encourages the acquisition of knowledge and the
development of sound management practices aimed at the
environmentally sustainable use of marine ecosystems.
It educates Park users and the general public as to the
importance of ensuring that marine ecosystems are used in
an environmentally sustainable way in the recreational and
commercial use of natural resources.
Park use objective
This zone promotes access, discovery and the practice of
activities within the context of environmentally sustainable
use contributing to the social, cultural and economic wellbeing
of local and regional communities. Pleasure boating, marine
tours, cruises, scuba diving and commercial navigation by large
ships are permitted. It also promotes recreational hunting and
fishing activities. This zone allows for commercial hunting and fishing activities in compliance with the management
principles and terms for the model fishery taking place in the
Marine Park. Scientific research is fostered and overseen in
this zone.
Zone I areas cover 34 km2 (3%) of the total Park area. The latter
are located at Cap de la Tête au Chien, around the National
Wildlife Area islands of Îles-de-l’estuaire, at the western end
of Île aux Lièvres, on the banks of Île Rouge, in front of the
Cap de Bon-Désir, at Pointe Noire, at Pointe de l’Islet, along
the submarine cliff of Îlet aux Alouettes, at the mouth of Bay
Sainte-Marguerite, at the haul-outs of Cap Fraternité and Cap
Éternité.
Zone II – specific protection
Zone II areas cover 524 km2 (42%) of the total Park area. They
correspond to representative portions of each of the Marine
Park’s three ecosystems. In the upper estuary, there are zone
II areas in the sectors of Gros Cap-à-l’Aigle, from Pointe aux
Quilles to Cap-aux-Corbeaux, around the Aux Alouettes
strand and around the islands of the upper estuary. In the lower
estuary, zone II areas are located in the sector of the head of
the Laurentian channel. In the fjord, zone II areas are located
in the sectors of the mouth of the Saguenay, in a section facing
Baie Sainte-Marguerite and in the section across from the two
seal haul-outs at Cap Fraternité and Cap Éternité.
Zone III – general protection
Zone III areas cover 243 km2 (19%) of the total Park area.
They protect part of the riparian environment of the upper
estuary ecosystems, and most of the riparian environment of
the lower estuary and Saguenay Fjord.
Zone IV – general use
Zone IV areas cover 445 km2 (36%) of the total Park area and
are concentrated in the ecosystems of the upper and lower
estuaries.
Submerged cultural resources
For the most part, the most sensitive wreck sites requiring
increased protection are located in zone I and II areas, while submerged vestiges of logging sites or old wharves are mainly
located in zone II and III areas. A basic protection is accordingly
ensured for these submerged cultural resources.
Activities permitted based on zoning
Table 4 presents the list of activities permitted in the Marine
Park. All activities not appearing in this list or in the list of
exceptions (see Table 5) are prohibited. All new activities must
be evaluated by Marine Park management. If the evaluation
is positive, the activity will be temporarily added to this list,
and then definitively integrated in the review of the zoning
by-law.
Spatial application of zoning
The zoning applies uniformly to three components of the
Marine Park area: the surface of seawaters, the water column
and the sea floor. One exception to this rule is used in sector
10 to allow seal hunting in winter.
The Marine Activities Regulations protect the Marine Park’s
air space by prohibiting all take-offs and water landings and by
limiting aircraft altitude to a minimum of 607 metres (2,000
feet).
Temporal application of zoning
Zoning can be applied temporally. This provision meets the
specific needs of certain ecosystems, habitats and species
during a set period of time (see table 6). Temporal zoning
makes it possible to enhance the degree of protection of a
particular sector by setting a more restrictive zoning type for
a period of the year. It is mainly used around islands and islets
to ensure the increased protection of migratory birds during
the breeding and rearing periods.
Exceptions and exemptions
Zoning makes it possible to resolve potentially conflicting
needs regarding the Marine Park’s conservation and use
or in the event of Park use conflicts. However, some issues
require particular solutions to be resolved. These are grouped
together as exceptions (see Table 5) and exemptions and take
into account the current realities of the Park’s use.
Map 5: Zoning plan
Zoning plan — Text version
This map shows the zoning plan of Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park. The following areas are detailed:
Large Ecosystem of the Upper St. Lawrence Estuary
Large Ecosystem of the Lower St. Lawrence Estuary
Large Ecosystem of teh Saguenay Fjord
Map 6: Zoning plan (sector enlargement)
Zoning plan (sector enlargement) — Text version
This map shows the zoning plan of Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park. The following areas are detailed:
Upper estuary islands (sector 5)
Confluence area
Baie Sainte-Marguerite
Table 4. Activities permitted according to zoning - December 2008
Authorized activities that require a permit from other departments
Line fishing (ice fishing)
Prohibited activities
Prohibited activities
Authorized activities that require a Saguenay—St. Lawrence marine Park permit
Authorized activities that require a Saguenay—St. Lawrence marine Park permit
5) Essential public utilities
Periodic maintenance dredging for access to the wharfs, to the seaway, etc.
Prohibited activities
Prohibited activities
Prohibited activities
Authorized activities that require a permit from other departments
Maintenance of marinas, wharfs, buoys, lighthouses, etc.
Prohibited activities
Authorized activities that don't require a permit
Authorized activities that don't require a permit
Authorized activities that don't require a permit
Navigation (shipping)
Prohibited activities
Prohibited activities
Authorized activities that require a permit from other departments
Authorized activities that require a permit from other departments
New boat launching ramp facilities
Prohibited activities
Prohibited activities
Authorized activities that require a permit from other departments
Authorized activities that require a permit from other departments
Floating pontoon facilities
Prohibited activities
Prohibited activities
Authorized activities that require a permit from other departments
Authorized activities that require a permit from other departments
Note 1: Safe travel corridor for users: Human-powered boats (kayaks, canoes, etc) will be authorized to travel along the shores in some sub-sectors of Zone I (10b, 13b, 13c, 14b, 15b, 15c) and under certain conditions to ensure the safety of users.
Note 2: Usage conflict regarding public safety: Hunting activity near some areas that are frequented by visitors could pose a public safety promblem. Migratory bird hunting will be prohibited in sub-sectors 9b, 13d, 14c of Zone III and in sub-sector 9f of Zone IV.
Note 3: Exceptional commercial activity that involves harvesting renewable natural resources and that contradicts the protection level of a zone: The current practice of some commercial fishing or seal hunting activity in zones II and III may be authorized under certain conditions, but will be considered an exception. The Marine Park, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Agriculture. Pecheries dt Alimentation du Québec and Ressources naturelles et Faune du Québec authorities, in partnership with the users involved, will consider measures aimed at eliminating harvesting activity in time to protect ecosystems, habitats, biotic communities, and species in question. Some other restrictions concerning commercial fishing activity exist and should be respected by fishers, in accordance with their fishing permits.
Note 4: Special activity: A temporary planned activity or event that takes place in the Marine Park, in particular a parade, a regatta, a show, a cinematic production or promotion, or a sporting event. (Marine Activities in the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations, 2002).
Note 5: Line fishing: A permit is necessary for Atlantic Salmon fishing.
Table 5. Zoning Exceptions for the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
Sector or Subsector
Exceptions
Conditions
(Regulatory processes to be determined)
All sectors
Emergency Operations
Emergency Operations: Marine emergency operations for public safety or for pollution
control are authorized throughout the park, planning in emergency plans the means and
methods that will have the least impact on the marine environment.
Cap de la Tête au
Chien
Subsector 3b
Safe transportation of park users
In-transit passage for watercraft crossing Zone I, in compliance with rules set for the
protection of marine mammals.
Baie des Rochers
Sector 4
Specific need to access private property
Use of motor vehicule to access private properties.
Île aux Fraises
Subsector 5b
Specific management or maintenance needs
Research and development work on behalf of the Îles de l’Estuaire National Wildlife
Area.
Have a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada.
Access for watercraft in transit to anchorage on the south side and to anchorage on the
southeast side, off the western tip of the island.
Île aux Lièvres
Subsector 5c
Specific management or maintenance needs
Bringing supplies to and upkeep of the campground on the western tip of the island,
facing the “camp des scientifiques”.
Area.
Access for watercraft in transit to anchorage located at the western tip of the island
and to anchorage located on the southwest side of the island, facing the “camp des
scientifiques”.
Perimeter of the
îles du Pot à l’Eaude-
Vie
Subsector 5e
Specific management or maintenance needs and access to a private property
In-transit passage for watercraft crossing Zone I, in compliance with rules set for
protection of marine mammals.
Île Blanche
Subsector 5g
Specific management or maintenance needs
Research and development work on behalf of the Îles de l’Estuaire National Wildlife
Area.
Have a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada.
Access for watercraft in transit to anchorage on the southeast side of the island.
Batture aux
Alouettes and its
perimeter
Sector 6
Non-conforming commercial harvesting of renewable natural resources*
Exploratory commercial sea urchin fishing is non-conforming in subsectors 6a –
Batture aux Alouettes and 6b – the perimeter of Batture aux Alouettes.
The commercial fishing of soft shell clams is non-conforming in Subsector 5a –
Batture aux Alouettes.
A solution aimed at phasing out these non-conforming commercial fishing activities will
have to be put into place with the help of fishermen and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Perimeter of the
îlet aux Alouettes
Subsector 6c
Specific need to access private property
Navigational aid and research work.
In-transit passage for watercraft crossing Zone I, in compliance with rules set for the
protection of marine mammals. Have a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service of
Environment Canada for collecting down.
Banks of Île Rouge
Sector 8
Specific management or maintenance needs
Navigational aids and research work.
In-transit passage for watercraft crossing Zone I, in compliance with rules set for the
protection of marine mammals.
Baie du
Moulin à Baude
Subsector 9b
Water use conflict between the visitor experience and public safety
Overlooking the sector there is a trail and observation site that provides a panoramic
view over the marine park; it is particularly used for the observation of birds of prey.
Hunting prohibited throughout the year.
Batture de la
Pointe à la Carriole
Subsector 9c
Specific need to access private property
Use of motor vehicule to access private properties.
Baie des Grandes
Bergeronnes
Subsector 9f
Water use conflict between the visitor experience and public safety
Baie des Grandes Bergeronnes is a point of access to the marine park and is used by
residents and visitors.
Hunting prohibited throughout the year within a 200-metre radius of the wharf.
Area located off
cap de Bon-Désir
Subsector 10b
Safe transportation of park users and educational activity
Cap de Bon-Désir is an important land-based observation site for marine park
visitors and the Zone I area off the site must remain undisturbed.
However, for safety reasons, sea kayakers must be allowed to paddle along the
coast.
An educational activity is presented. For the activity, marine organism are collected
to be presented and put back into the ecosystem.
In-transit passage for human powered watercraft along the coast in order to cross Zone
I, in compliance with rules set for the protection of marine mammals.
A two year exemption is given to the “30 pieds chez Nepture” activity. An environmental
Impact Assessment will be done to decide what should be done with this activity.
Head of the
Laurentian
Channel
Sector 11
Non-conforming commercial harvesting of renewable natural resources
Commercial fishing of scallops, whelks and halibut and seal hunting are nonconforming
activities in Sector 11.
A solution aimed at phasing out these non-conforming commercial fishing activities will
have to be put into place with the help of fishermen and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Pointe Noire
Subsector 13b
Safe transportation of park users
Pointe Noire is an important land-based observation site for marine park visitors and
the Zone I area off the site must remain undisturbed.
However, for safety reasons, sea kayakers must be allowed to paddle along the
coast.
In-transit passage for human powered watercraft along the coast in the 400-metre wide
Zone I strip, in compliance with rules set for the protection of marine mammals.
Pointe de l’Islet
Subsector 13c
Safe transportation of park users
Pointe de l’Islet is an important land-based observation site for marine park visitors
and the Zone I area off the site must remain undisturbed.
However, for safety reasons, sea kayakers must be allowed to paddle along the
coast.
In-transit passage for human powered watercraft along the coast in the 100-metre wide
Zone I strip, in compliance with rules set for the protection of marine mammals.
Baie de Tadoussac
Subsector 13d
Water use conflict between the visitor experience and public safety
Baie de Tadoussac is an important point of access for the marine park, with its
marina, the departure of marine tours, etc. It is used by residents and visitors. The
area must remain undisturbed and public safety must be ensured.
Hunting prohibited throughout the year.
Mouth of baie
Sainte-Marguerite
Subsector 14b
Safe transportation of park users
The mouth of Baie Sainte-Marguerite is an important habitat for the St. Lawrence beluga,
an endangered species, and that is why this area has been designated Zone I.
However, kayakers must be able to paddle safely down the Saguenay River.
In-transit passage for human powered watercraft along the coast, downstream from the
mouth of the bay, in compliance with rules set for the protection of marine mammals.
Passage corridor
and marshes in
baie Sainte-
Marguerite
Subsector 14c
Water use conflict between the visitor experience and public safety
Baie Sainte-Marguerite is a site that is used by residents and visitors. The area must
remain undisturbed and public safety must be ensured.
Hunting prohibited throughout the year.
Cap Fraternité
Subsector 15b
Safe transportation of park users
There is a 300-metre Zone I strip aimed at protecting a harbour seal haul-out.
However, kayakers must be able to paddle safely down the Saguenay River.
In-transit passage for human powered watercraft along the coast in the 300-metre wide
Zone I strip, in compliance with rules set for the protection of marine mammals.
Cap Éternité
Subsector 15c
Safe transportation of park users
There is a 300-metre Zone I strip aimed at protecting a harbour seal haul-out.
However, kayakers must be able to paddle safely down the Saguenay River.
In-transit passage for human powered watercraft along the coast in the 300-metre wide
Zone I strip, in compliance with rules set for the protection of marine mammals.
* All non-conforming activities involving the commercial harvesting of natural resources are not necessarily indicated in the table above. We do not have information on all commercial fishing activities that
are taking place within the marine park. However, we have to assume that all commercial fishing presently taking place in Zones I, II and III is non-conforming with respect to the proposed zoning plan for
the marine park.
Table 6. Temporal Zoning in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
Sector or Subsector
Period
Type of Zoning
Justification for the Change in Zoning
Anchorage Le Petit Pot and
Le Gros Pot islets
Subsector 5f
April 1 to June 30
Zone I
Comprehensive protection required during the seabird nesting season
July 1 to March 31
Zone II
Perimeter of l’Îlet aux Alouettes
Subsector 6c
April 1 to June 30
Zone I
Comprehensive protection required during the seabird nesting season
July 1 to March 31
Zone II
Rochers Bare
Subsector 9h
April 1 to June 30
Zone I
Comprehensive protection required during the seabird nesting season
July 1 to March 31
Zone III
Strip from cap de Bon-Désir to
Escoumins
Subsector 10a
May 1 to November 14
Zone III Surface
November 15 to April 30
Zone IV Surface
Allow for safe seal hunting
Exceptions
Emergency operations: marine emergency operations for
public safety, marine mammal rescue or for pollution
control are authorized throughout the Park using the
means and methods that will have the least impact on the
marine environment.
Specific management or maintenance needs: essential
management activities and maintenance activities for
marine infrastructures and land facilities accessible only
from the water are authorized under certain conditions
in the comprehensive preservation zones by planning the
time, methods and means that will have the least impact
on the marine environment.
Specific need to access landlocked private property: access
to landlocked private properties requiring the use of a
motor vehicle in an otherwise inaccessible intertidal zone
is authorized under certain conditions by planning the time,
methods, itineraries and means that will have the least impact
on the marine environment.
Safe transportation of Park users: the transit passage of
human-powered boats (kayaks, canoes, etc.) along the
shoreline is authorized in certain zones designated for
the comprehensive preservation of the Marine Park and
under certain conditions to ensure user safety.
Park use conflicts associated with public safety: hunting
within proximity of certain places frequented by visitors
may pose a problem for public safety for a set period of
time, and it is essential to reduce the risks associated with
this type of Park use conflicts.
Park use conflicts associated with the visitor experience:
disturbances caused by the passage of boats off or near
land-based observation sites for the marine environment
must be avoided so as not to take away from the experience
of visitors to these land sites. Hunting will accordingly be
banned in certain zone III and IV areas.
Exemptions
Derogatory commercial renewable natural resource harvesting
activities in contradiction with a zone’s degree of protection: the
practice of certain existing commercial fishing or commercial
seal hunting activities in zone II and III areas may be authorized
under certain conditions, but is considered derogatory. As
regards these derogatory activities, Marine Park authorities
and those of the government departments concerned will, in
collaboration with the users involved, consider measures to
eliminate them. In the meantime, these derogatory activities
must respect the principles and terms for the management of
the model fishery in the Marine Park.
12.3 Implementation of the zoning plan
Several important steps still need to be taken before the
zoning plan can be implemented. It must be made official
by regulation, in accordance with Marine Park legislation
and other existing acts. An information campaign will be
conducted to promote understanding of the zoning plan and
thus cultivate the support of the residents of the coordination
zone and visitors to the Marine Park.
The search for solutions to the exemptions granted for certain
commercial fishing activities and for their eventual termination
in zone II and III areas will have to be initiated quickly with the
government departments and fish harvesters involved.
The acquisition of new scientific information on the ecosystems,
the impact of activities on habitats, species and the evolution
of natural processes should continue, in particular to increase
the accuracy of the zoning plan. The zoning plan could also be
amended in other circumstances, for example in response to
recommendations made in species at risk restoration plans or
in the plan for the confluence sector, etc.
13.0 Marine Park Administration and Management
The day-to-day management of the Marine Park requires the
presence of operational teams located in Tadoussac (Parks
Canada) and Rivière-Éternité (Parcs Québec). These teams
intervene and collaborate in the following areas: administration
and management, resource conservation, presentation of the
natural and cultural heritage, public safety, environmental
emergencies, law and regulation enforcement, site and
equipment management, and partner relations.
Several major facilities and equipment owned by the
governments of Canada and Quebec are used to carry out the
various mandates entrusted to the managers of the Marine
Park:
Parks Canada: the observation and interpretation sites
at Cap-de-Bon-Désir and Pointe-Noire, the Marine
Environment Discovery Centre in Les Escoumins, the
Baie-Sainte-Catherine wharf;
Parcs Québec: the property and equipment of the
Saguenay National Park contributing to the presentation
of the marine environment, the interpretation centres at
Baie Éternité, Baie Sainte-Marguerite and Tadoussac.
13.1 Environmental risks and
emergencies
It must be considered that the St. Lawrence River and the
Saguenay Fjord are important seaways to major industrial
centres. The ships that use these seaways carry large quantities
of goods, including hydrocarbons and toxic substances. The
ecological consequences of a major accident would be very
harmful to the Marine Park’s ecosystems. It has been noted
that accidental spills mostly consist of hydrocarbon spills. The
environmental risks associated with the marine transportation
of various petroleum products and chemicals are accentuated
by difficult sailing conditions at certain times of the year.
An environmental emergency plan established in 2001 sets the
framework for emergency operations in the Marine Park. This
plan is updated as needed.
Issue
Ecological risks and impacts of major accidents
The presence of a Marine Park at the confluence of two important
seaways provides for a particular protection issue. Its boundaries
are extensive and various sources of pollution could have major
impacts on the resources and ecosystems. These potential
threats to the integrity of the marine environment require the
implementation of a marine pollution control strategy involving
the numerous partners including the Canadian Coast Guard,
Transport Canada, Environnement Québec, Environment
Canada, and the Eastern Canada Response Corporation.
Objective
Minimize the ecological risks and impacts of marine accidents
in the Marine Park.
Action
Keep the Marine Park environmental emergency plan upto-
date.
13.2 Environmental management and
climate change
Environmental management is a responsibility dictated by
government directives. The 11 fields of application include
polychlorinated biphenyls, ozone-depleting substances,
petroleum product tanks, greenhouse gas emissions,
integrated pest management, contaminated sites and
materials, other hazardous products, green procurement,
energy conservation in buildings, vehicle fleet management,
wastewater management, water consumption and solid waste
management.
In marine protected areas, climate change could have a major
impact on sea currents influencing the upwelling of cold
water and may cause greater coastal erosion. Other direct and
indirect impacts could include in particular a rise in water level
and temperatures, the modification of lifecycle stages, and
the expansion of invasive exotic species. Furthermore, there
could be major repercussions on the experience, satisfaction
and safety of Marine Park visitors.
Issue
The environmental management must meet the
highest standards
The Marine Park’s environmental management must meet
the highest standards in this field. The Marine Park seeks the
collaboration of communities, businesses, institutions and
visitors to adopt sound environmental management practices.
Objectives
Improve the environmental management of the Marine
Park operations.
Ensure new development projects in the Marine Park are
submitted to the environmental assessment process.
Ensure that the real and potential effects of climate change
are taken into account in the management of the Marine
Park.
Indicators
Actions contained in the environmental management plan
implemented.
Number of environmental assessments performed compared
to the number of projects carried out.
Actions
Update the Marine Park’s environmental management
plan.
Submit the projects carried out by the Marine Park’s
managers or in collaboration with the latter to an
environmental impact assessment.
Assess the vulnerability of the components of the Marine
Park to climate change.
13.3 Public safety
The extensive sailing activities of large ships, ocean liners,
numerous marine tour boats, sailboats and kayaks generates
a high level of traffic entailing accident risks, in particular in
the confluence sector. Furthermore, thousands of visitors use
the infrastructures and equipment of the various land sites and
service points located along the coast.
The Marine Park’s public safety plan aims to reduce the
risks for residents and visitors associated with the practice of
recreational activities in the Marine Park area and limit the
vulnerability of site owners to civil liability. It sets out the
mandates, responsibilities and intervention methods, and is
reviewed as needed.
In the area of public safety, responsibilities are shared
between several federal, provincial and municipal government
departments and agencies present in and around the Marine
Park area. The Marine Park authorities intend to promote
collaboration between the various partners and integrate the
Marine Park in emergency plans that are already in place to
enhance the level of service in sectors that require it and fulfill
their public safety obligations.
Issue
The safe use of the marine territory and government
infrastructures by residents and visitors
The safe use of the marine territory and government
infrastructures by residents and visitors is a priority. The
managers of the Marine Park also recognize that the latter have
a certain level of responsibility regarding their own safety and
that risk management must become an integral part of their
experience.
Objectives
Ensure the implementation of preventive measures aiming
to limit the number and gravity of accidents and provide a
safe environment for Marine Park users.
Ensure an adequate level of service regarding interventions,
adapted to the risks identified in the Marine Park area.
Document incidents as well as keep databanks and risk
analysis up-to-date, and ensure the capacity to provide
documentary evidence of manager diligence in regard to
public safety in the Marine Park.
Action
Regularly update the public safety plan.
14.0 Summary of the environmental assessment
Within the Government of Canada, environmental assessments
are an essential tool for the achievement of government
objectives of sustainable development. The Saguenay-St.
Lawrence Marine Park Management Plan was submitted
to a strategic environmental assessment. The aim of this
environmental assessment was to determine and assess, from
a strategic standpoint, the main environmental issues inherent
to the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park Management Plan.
We should specify that the Government of Quebec does not
have this obligation as part of the review of its management
plans.
The objectives of this environmental assessment were as
follows:
Verify that the strategic directions, objectives and
particular proposals put forward in the plan respect
and support the goals and objectives set with regard to
environmentally sustainable use, while taking into account
the need to maintain the structure and function of marine
ecosystems;
Assess the repercussions of the proposals made in the
plan to make sure they add to the positive impacts on the
environment and that they counter or mitigate eventual
negative impacts;
Assess the cumulative effects of the actions proposed in
the Management Plan on the Park’s ecosystems.
This assessment rests on the Cabinet Directive on the
Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program
Proposals (2004). It respects the orientations of Parks Canada
Guiding Principles and Operational Policies (1994) and the
Parks Canada Management Directive 2.4.2: Impact Assessment
(1998).
Compliance of objectives
The objectives proposed in the Management Plan were
reviewed to make sure they are in compliance and support
Parks Canada and Government of Canada policy. As a whole,
the objectives proposed in the Management Plan respect
the Marine Park’s mandate and support the environmentally sustainable use of the resources, taking into account the need
to maintain the structure and function of marine ecosystems.
Scope of the assessement
The scope of the assessment ensures that the assessment
focuses on the main elements of the Management Plan. It
indicates what is included in the environmental assessment,
and what is not. The latter was established based on the main
elements of the Management Plan, valued components of the
ecosystem, spatial and time boundaries and data limitations. In
this case, the spatial boundaries applied for this assessment are
the boundaries of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park and
administered sites. The time limits are the same as those set for
the Management Plan, i.e., seven years.
Assessment of the potential impacts
An analysis of the sources of stress in relation to environmentally
sustainable use and the mandate makes it possible to determine
the effects on the natural and cultural resources.
All of the actions will have positive but not extensive effects.
They in fact constitute harmonization, coordination and
awareness measures that will have a long-term positive effect.
The awareness of local populations and the establishment of
a committee for the Marine Park’s expansion are the positive
elements to be remembered. When creating new activities,
consideration of the Marine Park’s mandate will have to be
validated and, to a greater extent, the precautionary principle
applied.
Certain management measures are likely to have an effect on
the environment, and as such require special attention. These
measures are the following:
Improving the existing network of water access points in
collaboration with regional players;
Developing and implementing a strategy to generate
revenues and establish business partnerships with local
partners;
Completing, as a priority and jointly with local partners,
existing discovery areas;
Fostering a sense of security in visitors;
Coordinating the planning for the Marine Park with the
development plans of regional county municipalities, as
regards for example the protection of swamps, spawning
grounds, landscapes and watersheds.
Mitigation measures
The Management Plan contains certain measures to minimize
the impacts of the proposed actions. The mitigation measures
proposed make it possible to minimize certain negative effects
on environmentally sustainable use and the protection of
resources. As in the Management Plan, the mitigation of effects
will take place at a strategic level. The aim of these mitigation
strategies are to:
Apply the precautionary principle and adaptive
management to the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park
and administered sites with regard to the environmentally
sustainable use and protection of natural resources,
particularly to actions that could disturb marine
mammals;
Raise the awareness of communities regarding the Marine
Park ecosystems state of health Report;
Establish mitigation strategies to minimize the impacts on
cultural and natural resources as part of the planning of
projects and activities following from the implementation
of the Management Plan. Strategies will be established
through the environmental assessment process;
Establish a preventive strategy of adaptation to climate
change to protect natural resources, site infrastructures
and the visitor experience;
Take into account the issues raised in the State of the
Marine Park Report when implementing the management
measures contained in the Management Plan. Inform the
local population of the findings of the State of the Marine
Park Report.
Residual effects
A verification of the Management Plan with respect to its
residual effects found that there should be few lingering effects
and that the latter should be slight following the application of
the mitigation strategies.
Assessment of the potential cumulative effects
The cumulative effects are the negative residual effects of
the Management Plan associated with the negative effects
of projects and activities located in the Park’s coordination
zone that have affected, affect or will affect environmental
components or cultural resources. Furthermore, the
assessment of the cumulative effects rests on the principle that
the combined effects of the projects and activities can give rise
to different or more significant impacts that those individually generated by these projects and activities. Accordingly, several
projects external to the Marine Park have been or will be
implemented within the coordination zone. These projects
may potentially provoke an increase in marine traffic, bring
about a contamination and reduce coastal habitats.
Although most of the plan’s actions interact little with
climate changes, the latter represent a variable that is difficult
to determine. However, we can state that the marine and
coastal ecosystems may well quickly and extensively suffer
the harmful effects of climate change. From this viewpoint, it
is conceivable that any management measure associated with
marine and coastal ecosystems could entail residual effects
in certain cases, and hence cumulative effects to the coastal
or marine area. Furthermore, these changes encourage
modifications that could have significant, long-term impacts
on the Park’s ecosystems.
The measures regarding the visitor experience are many and
deal with several aspects such as the service offer, partnerships,
and agreements with local and Native communities. Parks
Canada proposes actions regarding the visitor experience
that cultivate an increase in number and duration of visits. In
this way, the cumulative effects of the plan relate to actions
that could affect the disrupted ecosystems (both marine and
coastal).
Assessment of overall consequences
The overall consequences of the application of the Management
Plan as regards the environment and environmentally
sustainable use are measured in cumulative impacts. The slight
residual effects of the Management Plan have little impact on
the cumulative effects already present in the Park’s management
area. The application of the new Saguenay-St. Lawrence
Marine Park Management Plan will increase understanding
of its mandate and the population’s support through the
harmonization, awareness and coordination actions proposed
in the plan. However, the precautionary principle should apply
given the fragility of the environment, the natural and cultural
resources present and the dynamics of the natural processes
faced by this environment.
Conclusion
The assessment was carried out prior to the final draft
of the Management Plan so that the mitigation measures
proposed could be incorporated. The results of this strategic
environmental assessment led us to conclude that, based on
the available information the Marine Park’s Management
Plan is acceptable. Overall, the strategic measures it presents
support the Marine Park’s mandate and management policies.
The implementation of the management measures should have
positive impacts, in particular on communication of the value
of the resources. As well, the implementation of the mitigation
measures proposed in this strategic environmental assessment
should make it possible to minimize potential negative impacts.
The impacts of greatest concern can be mitigated with the
application of known technical measures or other means that
have proved effective. Project environmental assessments will
have to be carried out at a later stage of the planning, when
sufficient details regarding their implementation are known.
15.0 Implementation and follow-up of the
Management Plan
The Management Plan will guide the Marine Park’s
management for the next seven years. The Marine Park’s annual
business plan will specify the actions required to carry out the
objectives of the Management Plan. Over the next few years,
the authorities responsible for the Marine Park will strive to
implement the advocated management measures using the
budgets available, the additional spot credits they may receive,
and through partnership agreements with communities.
This Management Plan’s implementation will be assessed every
year as part of the business planning process. An annual report
compiling the actions carried out will be presented to partners
and the public. In seven years, in accordance with Marine Park
legislation, the Management Plan will be reviewed, starting
with an update to the State of the Marine Park Report.
The following table presents a summary of the actions to be
carried out. These are divided into three categories: actions
regarding the Marine Park’s routine management (ongoing
actions); priority actions to be undertaken or completed
in the first three years of the Management Plan; and other
actions to be carried out. Some priority actions will be
initiated in the short term, given their importance, but their
final implementation could take place in the longer term,
given their complexity or consultation or consensus-building
processes inherent to these actions.
Table 7: Summary of the actions to be carried out
Action
Ongoing
action
Priority
action
Other action
Co-management and public participation
Enhance or create consensus-building and coordination mechanisms with federal and provincial government
departments.
Develop and implement a strategy to generate revenues and establish business partnerships with local partners.
Add to the Coordinating Committee or to its advisory boards, as required, members from areas of activity not
represented.
Increase the financial, professional and technical assistance granted to the Coordinating Committee.
Produce and disseminate an annual action plan regarding the monitoring of the Management Plan.
Maintain the active participation and involvement of First Nations.
Enhance the Marine Park's presence with various regional planning authorities and residents of the coordination
zone through targeted communications actions.
Raise the awareness of regional authoritative bodies regarding the importance of protecting ecosystems, landscapes
and waterfront lands.
Develop communication tools so as to better promote the Coordinating Committee, its mandate and its achievements
and facilitate its outreach efforts.
Establish a working group on the expansion of the Marine Park's boundaries.
Ecosystems and biodiversity
Fulfill the obligations devolved to the Marine Park under the Species at Risk Act.
Maintain and develop monitoring programs for ecosystems and activities.
Implement a research program adapted to the needs of the Marine Park and carried out in partnership.
Develop a support strategy for stakeholders to improve wastewater management by municipalities.
Develop a strategy with the region and government departments involved so that at least one pumping-out station
is installed for boats navigating within the Marine Park.
Conduct awareness campaigns with the marine industry, businesses that offer tours in the Marine Park and working
in pleasure boating to institute environmentally friendly practices.
Pursue the implementation of the conservation plan and identify priorities for action.
Raise the awareness of residents and municipal bodies regarding the importance of protecting coastal environments
and how such action is linked to the health of the Marine Park.
Define protection and restoration needs in the Marine Park and implement appropriate measures.
Environmentally sustainable use
Establish a plan for marine activities so as to consolidate the actions of the Marine Park and its partners.
Establish a working group and create a specific commercial fishing sub-zone for the Marine Park by the lead
government departments.
Implement, with DFO, Marine Park model fishery management principles.
Create a standing issue table with the authorities responsible for managing marine traffic in the Marine Park.
Work in collaboration with First Nations in the coordination zone to achieve the sustainable fishing objectives.
Continue and improve the monitoring of ice fishing activities in the Saguenay Fjord.
Implement an integrated recreational fishing management system.
Coordinate the planning for the Marine Park with the development plans of regional county municipalities.
Marine Park zoning plan
Make the zoning plan official by regulation
Conduct an information campaign to promote understanding of the zoning plan and encourage the support of the
residents of the coordination zone and Marine Park visitors.
Seek solutions to the exemptions granted for certain commercial fishing activities
Increase the accuracy of the zoning through the acquisition of new scientific information on ecosystems, habitats,
species and the evolution of natural processes.
Modify the zoning plan based on specific circumstances, the needs of recovery plans for species at risk, the
Management Plan for the confluence sector, etc.
Resident and visitor experience
Produce and implement an interpretation and education plan.
Produce a Marine Park partner accreditation policy and proceed with the signing of designation agreements.
Encourage marine activities respectful of the environment, ecosystems and regulations.
Finalize the land and marine signposting plan.
Improve educational programs.
Foster the training of regional tourism partners: reception officers, captains, naturalists, etc.
Collaborate with regional authorities for the protection of marine and underwater landscapes.
Regularly update the public safety plan.
Update and implement the communications plan.
Improve the existing network of water access points in collaboration with regional players.
Implement a theme presenting the culture and contribution of the Native communities.
Conduct socioeconomic studies to learn more about the perceptions, needs and expectations of residents and
visitors.
Complete, as a priority and jointly with local partners, existing discovery areas.
Document and analyze proposals for new discovery areas.
Protect and present the cultural components of the Marine Park.
Public education and awareness
Update and implement the communications plan (website, newsletters, relations with the local community and the
media, etc.).
Implement school programs with partners.
Implement the educational strategy for species at risk.
Produce and implement an interpretation and education plan targeting external clienteles.
Implement, in partnership, Marine Park showcases in the municipalities in the coordination zone and in metropolitan
areas.
Conduct or use socioeconomic studies to gain a better understanding of the needs, expectations and perceptions
of the various external clienteles.
Administration
Keep the Marine Park environmental emergency plan up-to-date.
Update the Marine Park's environmental management plan.
Submit projects carried out by the managers of the Marine Park or in collaboration with the latter to an environmental
impact assessment.
Assess the vulnerability of the components of the Marine Park to climate change.
Regularly update the public safety plan.
Conclusion
The Marine Park has adopted a vision that will guide its actions
with regard to conservation, environmentally sustainable use,
visitor experience and education.
This Plan is the result of efforts undertaken since the Marine
Park’s creation. Despite its recent creation in 1998, the
Marine Park has achieved a certain level of maturity and will
continue the actions that have characterized its management
since the very start, namely participative management, comanagement,
discovery of the environment through the
discovery areas, the search for solutions aiming to resolve
major sources of pressure, etc. This document recognizes the
expertise of all those who contributed to the establishment of
the Marine Park, without whom the adventure would not have
been possible and whose merits warrant recognition.
A number of challenges remain: ensuring conservation
within the context of the environmentally sustainable use
of resources, implementing the zoning, pursuing awareness
efforts to make sure that marine activities respect the Marine
Activities Regulations, reducing the impact of commercial
fishing activities, encouraging the accreditation of partners,
guaranteeing adequate funding, optimizing consensus-building
with other government departments, increasing research,
improving wastewater management, protecting species at
risk, minimizing the impacts of the marine traffic, improving
management of the confluence and communications with
residents. Thanks to the efforts of all involved, we will be able
to protect this exceptional environment, continue to live there
and enjoy the most memorable of experiences.
In closing, remember that the aim of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence
Marine Park is to increase, for the benefit of present and
future generations, the degree of protection of ecosystems in a
representative section of the Saguenay Fjord and St. Lawrence
estuary for conservation purposes, while encouraging its use
for educational, recreational and scientific purposes. This
objective can only be achieved with the collaboration and
participation of all stakeholders involved: citizens in general
and the residents of the coordination zone; businesses active
within the area; socioeconomic players; and the various levels
of government. In order to give the Park even greater scope,
all the players involved, either directly or indirectly, are
called upon so that current and future visitors may discover
this protected environment, bearing witness to an invaluable
human and natural wealth and diversity.
Glossary and acronyms
Glossary
Accreditation of partners:
Accepting a candidacy, a project,
an application, a solution, a sign of respect. Within the
context of the Marine Park, this consists in an agreement between
the partner and Marine Park authorities presenting a
common vision and respective commitments.
Biodiversity:
Term designating the diversity of the living
world. Biodiversity can represent the diversity of the genes
within a single species, the diversity of species, and the diversity
of ecosystems.
Cruise:
Within the context of the Marine Park, a cruise is a
trip taken aboard a passenger liner following a set itinerary
and including stops to allow passengers to visit a region or
locality.
Ecotourism:
Environmentally responsible travel to natural
areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying
cultural features, both past and present) that promote
conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially
active socioeconomic involvement of local peoples.
Environmentally sustainable use of resources:
Use of
the natural environment that meets the needs of current generations
without compromising the structures and functions
of ecosystems for the needs of future generations. The environmentally
sustainable use of coastal resources, the health,
productivity and biodiversity of the marine environment and
the wellbeing of coastal populations are all intimately linked.
Estuary:
Mouth of a generally large river subject to tides and
currents and forming the transition zone between the river
water and seawater. In general, the freshwater on the surface
flows into the sea while the saltwater, which is more dense,
flows upstream of the estuary.
Fjord:
Narrow, deep glacial valley with steep sides and flooded
by the sea.
Indicator:
Set of variables used to measure the state of a resource,
ecosystem or area of intervention of the Marine Park.
Marine protected area: This term is used in general to
designate protected areas in a marine environment and is defined
by the International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) as follows:
Any area of intertidal or subtidal terrain, together with
its overlying water and associated flora, fauna, historical
and cultural features, which has been reserved by law or
other effective means to protect part or all of the enclosed
environment.
Participative management:
Management method based
on consultation where interested parties take part more or
less extensively in decision-making.
Plankton:
All animal (zooplankton) and plant (phytoplankton)
organisms, generally of very small size, which live suspended
in the water column; they drift in the sea and are the
basic food source for many marine mammals and fish.
Species at risk:
According to the Committee on the Status
of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), a species at
risk is a wildlife species threatened at the national level with
extinction from the country or the planet. This generic term
includes several statuses granted based on the degree of risk
of extinction of the species: extinct, extirpated, endangered,
threatened, special concern, insufficient data.
Sustainable development:
According to the definition
proposed in 1987 by the World Commission on Environment
and Development in the Bruntland report:
Development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.
According to the Quebec Sustainable Development Act:
Development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs. Sustainable development rests on a longterm
vision that takes into account the indivisible nature of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of
development activities.
Threatened or vulnerable species:
Under the Act respecting
threatened or vulnerable species and as defined in the
Quebec Policy on threatened and vulnerable species, a species
is threatened when its extinction is feared and it is vulnerable
when its survival is precarious, even if its extinction is
not feared. This designation covers all species living in Quebec
(microscopic or macroscopic, introduced or indigenous, wild,
cultivated or domestic).
Tour:
Single-day activity aiming to explore or visit a region.
Watershed:
Land area defined by divides and over which surface
water and groundwater are carried by the natural slope of
the land to streams, rivers, bays, gulfs, seas, and oceans.
Acronyms
CIMM:
Centre d’interprétation des mammifères marins
CCG:
Canadian Coast Guard
GREMM:
Group of research and education on
marine mammals
DFO:
Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Fisheries
and Oceans Canada)
RCM:
Regional county municipality
Sépaq:
Société des établissements de plein air du Québec
STQ:
Société des traversiers du Québec
Appendix: Management principles and terms for model
fisheries in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
Whereas the governments of Quebec and Canada recognize
that the purpose of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
(SSLMP), in reference to the mirror federal and provincial
legislation, is “to increase, for the benefit of the present and
future generations, the level of protection of the ecosystems
of a representative portion of the Saguenay River and the
St. Lawrence Estuary for conservation purposes, while
encouraging its use for educational, recreational and scientific
purposes,” complemented by the Oceans Act, the Fisheries
Act, the Species at Risk Act, and the Quebec Act respecting
threatened or vulnerable species, we should make sure that the
fishing activities taking place in the Park meet the protection
and presentation objectives of this important marine heritage
site. From this perspective, the ecosystem-based management
approach and the precautionary principle are the foundations
that allow us to carry out this objective.
A. SSLMP model fishery management principles
The purpose of the ecosystem-based approach to management
is to ensure that management decisions regarding the use of the
SSLMP take into account the dynamic and interactive nature
of marine ecosystems, human interactions with the marine
ecosystems and the limited capacity of marine ecosystems to
recover following disturbances caused by man with a view to
their conservation. This involves integrating the scientific data
available on the species targeted by the fishery at issue, the
species not targeted, the trophic level of the targeted species
and its role in the food chain and in the ecosystem.
The precautionary principle advocates caution in any activity
which could change the natural environment. It is particularly
important to do so when only a portion of the facts regarding
ecosystems, habitats and species are known.
The SSLMP constitutes a marine conservation area subject,
under its management plan, to a zoning plan defining the
degree of conservation and the degree of use of this territory.
Fishing activities must respect this zoning plan, which was
established based on the scientific information available on the
ecosystems, habitats and species and which takes into account
the social and economic impacts of each activity currently
practised in the Marine Park.
Plans or measures regarding fishing activities practised in the
SSLMP must take into account the SSLMP’s conservation
objectives and remain the responsibility of Fisheries and
Oceans Canada. They will be established in consultation with
the clientele exploiting marine resources, the provincial
government, and Parks Canada.
Native communities will be able to continue their fishing
activities in the Marine Park based on the agreements
established and in consideration of conservation objectives for
the targeted ecosystems, habitats and species.
Fishing activities must not target species designated under
the Canada Species at Risk Act or listed by the Committee on
the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), or
species designated or registered on the threatened or vulnerable
species list under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or
vulnerable species, as well as unique populations.
Fishing activities carried out within the boundaries of the
SSLMP must rest on exemplary management measures based
on an appropriate level of scientific knowledge.
B. Good fishing practices in the SSLMP
Using fishing methods and gear that minimize the negative
effects on the bottom, coast, breeding grounds and benthic
communities.
Only select fishing gear may be used, i.e., fishing gear that
allows non-targeted species to escape.
Fishing practices entailing a minimal risk of gear loss (Canadian
Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing Operations, 1998,
guideline 17).
Retrieving, whenever possible, all lost fishing gear and reporting
their loss (Canadian Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing
Operations, 1998, guideline 2.8).
Using materials that reduce the period of time during which
lost gear continues to catch animals (e.g., cotton rather than
nylon nets).
Reducing the power consumption associated with fishing
activities (e.g., using motors that burn less fuel, using
reclaimed oil that has no impact on the service life of the
motor, preventive maintenance of motors) (Canadian Code of
Conduct for Responsible Fishing Operations, 1998, guideline
1.3).
C. SSLMP model fishery management
The SSLMP will shortly be designated a special fishing area
of the St. Lawrence Estuary by Fisheries and Oceans Canada,
within which the SSLMP model fishery management principles
will apply.
Authorized fishing activities in the SSLMP
All commercial fishing activities (including seal hunting)
currently carried out in General Use Zones (Type IV) of the
SSLMP are authorized in consideration of the management
measures established by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, except
for the fishing activities that will be banned in the SSLMP.
Commercial fishing activities (including commercial seal
hunting) currently carried out in Specific Protection Zones
(Type II) and General Protection Zones (Type III) of the
SSLMP will be authorized but considered derogatory activities
with regard to the degree of conservation of these zones. This
means that they will be banned in the medium and long terms
following negotiations between Parks Canada, Fisheries and
Oceans Canada, and the fishers and hunters concerned. In
the meantime, they must respect the SSLMP model fishery
management principles and terms and the management
measures established by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Bait fishing (capelin, smelt, herring) is authorized in the upper
and lower portions of the St. Lawrence Estuary for commercial fishers conducting their fishing activities in the SSLMP and
who have a licence to this effect from Fisheries and Oceans
Canada.
All recreational fishing, including ice fishing and seal hunting
(with a licence for personal use), currently taking place in
General Protection Zones (Type III) and General Use Zones
(Type IV) of the SSLMP are authorized in consideration of the
management measures established by Fisheries and Oceans
Canada.
Fishing activities currently banned or not practised
in the SSLMP
All commercial fishing activities are forbidden in the Saguenay
Fjord.
Recreational shellfish harvesting is forbidden in the Saguenay
Fjord.
All fishing activities using mobile gear are forbidden in the
upper St. Lawrence Estuary.
Fishing activities that will be banned or not
authorized in the SSLMP
No fishing activities (recreational or commercial) will be
authorized in Comprehensive Protection Zones (Type I).
No fishing activities (recreational or commercial) will be
authorized in Specific Protection Zones (Type II), except
for the derogatory commercial fishing activities previously
authorized.
No commercial fishing will be authorized in General Protection
Zones (Type III), except for the derogatory commercial fishing
activities previously authorized.
All fishing using gear that disrupts the habitat or is likely to
destroy the sea floor (e.g., dredging) will be banned, except for
the scallop harvesting currently practised in the SSLMP, which
is considered a previously authorized derogatory commercial
fishing activity.
Commercial fishing activities targeting the following species
will be banned: capelin, smelt and herring, except for the
previously authorized bait fishing activities.
Commercial fishing activities at the mouth of the fjord, between
the sill and a line between Pointe-Rouge and Pointe-Noire will
be banned to cover the entire ecosystem representative of the
Saguenay Fjord.
Aquaculture will be banned.
No new commercial fishing licence authorizing fishing activities
within the boundaries of the SSLMP will be issued by DFO so
as to enhance the degree of protection of its ecosystems and
habitats.
Bibliography
BEJDER, L. et al. 2006. Interpreting short-term behavioural responses to disturbance within a longitudinal perspective, Animal Behaviour,
2006, 10.1016/ j.anbehav.2006.04.003
DEPARTMENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT, First Nations Profile, website: pse2-esd2.ainc-inac.
gc.ca/FNProfiles/FNProfiles_home.htm, consulted on June 10, 2008.
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, 1997. Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park Act.
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, 2002. Species at Risk Act. Internet: http://lois.justice.gc.ca/en/showtdm/cs/S-15.3
GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC,1997. Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Act.
GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC,2006. Sustainable Development Act.
INSTITUT DE LA STATISTIQUE DU QUÉBEC, 2007. Website: www.bdso.gouv.qc.ca, consulted on April 29, 2008.
KRAUS, S.D. et al. 2005. Ecology: North Atlantic Right Whales in Crisis in Science, July 22, 2005, vol. 309, no. 5734, pp. 561-562.
PARKS CANADA AGENCY, 2008. Corporate Plan 2008-2009 to 2012-2013, 36 pp.
PARKS CANADA AGENCY, 2008. Guide to Management Planning, 102 pp.
PARKS CANADA AGENCY, 2007. Document de travail – Composantes culturelles du parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent, 15 pp.
PARKS CANADA AGENCY, 2007. Document de travail – Rapport de l’évaluation de l’expérience du visiteur, 23 p.
PARKS CANADA AGENCY, 2006. Système de gestion de l’environnement. Notre plan d’actions spécifiques: l’affaire de tous, 37 pp.
PARKS CANADA AGENCY, 2006. Sustainable Development Strategy 2007-2009 – Towards a culture of conservation. 22 pp.
PARKS CANADA AGENCY, 2003. Cadre national du système de gestion de l’environnement. Système de gestion de l’environnement de
Parcs Canada, 18 pp.
PARKS CANADA AGENCY, 2002. Plan directeur de réduction des émissions de gaz à effet de serre au sein des opérations de Parcs Canada.
Système de gestion de l’environnement de Parcs Canada, 31 pp.
SAGUENAY–ST. LAWRENCE MARINE PARK, 2008. Report on the public consultation on the review of the Management Plan, 33 pp.
SAGUENAY–ST. LAWRENCE MARINE PARK, 2008. Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Zoning Plan.
SAGUENAY–ST. LAWRENCE MARINE PARK, 2007. Sate of the Marine Park Report, 68 pp.
SAGUENAY–ST. LAWRENCE MARINE PARK, 2007. Public Consultation 2008, reviewing the Management Plan.
SAGUENAY–ST. LAWRENCE MARINE PARK, 2006. Système de gestion de l’environnement, 9 pp.
SAGUENAY–ST. LAWRENCE MARINE PARK, 2001. Plan d’urgences environnementales, 35 pp.
SAGUENAY–ST. LAWRENCE MARINE PARK, 1995. Management Plan, crossroads of life, site of exchanges, wellsprings of riches, 70 pp.
SCOTT, D. Climate changes and Canada’s national park system: scenarios and impacts. Parks Canada Ecosystem Science and Review
Reports no. 19 (2003) (CD-ROM).
SOM, 2007. Étude auprès des plaisanciers navigant dans le parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent, October 2007, 63 pp.
SOM, 2006a. Estimation de la fréquentation du parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent, Méthodologie d’estimation pour l’année 2005 et les
suivantes, October 2006, 48 pp.
SOM, 2006b. Étude de fréquentation du parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent auprès des riverains, April 2006, 57 pp.
SOM, 2006c. Parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent, Étude auprès des visiteurs 2005, June 2006, 36 pp.
WILLIAMS, R., D. LUSSEAU, P.S. HAMMOND, 2006. Estimating relative energetic costs of human disturbance to killer whales.
Biological conservation, 133: pp. 301-311.
