Collisions in the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park (part 1/2)

The year 2024 saw the highest number of fresh collision-related injuries documented in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park (SSLMP) and its surroundings since 1999. That year, six cases of collisions involving mortalities and injuries were officially reported to Parks Canada. No collisions were officially recorded in the Marine Park in 2025.

Recovered carcasses do not represent all of the animals that sustain fatal injuries; on the contrary, the number of carcasses that sink or drift and are never found is probably higher than the official figures. For example, between 1992 and 2017, it is estimated that only 36% of North Atlantic right whale carcasses were actually ever located. Yet carcasses of this coastal species are known to float on the surface longer than those of rorquals, meaning they should be easier to spot. The number of collisions that actually occur in the Marine Park and in the St. Lawrence in general is certainly underestimated.

To complicate the already difficult analysis of this collected data, it also exhibits certain biases. A review of the data shows that the highest number of reported collisions occurs within the marine park, primarily due to the higher concentration of cetaceans in the estuary and the intensity of navigation activity. However, the high level of use of the marine protected area is not the only factor to consider in the analysis. There is also a requirement to report collisions under the Regulations Respecting Activities at Sea in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, which may help explain the higher number of reported cases in this sector of the estuary.

Several well-known cetaceans in the St. Lawrence exhibit these types of injuries:

Furthermore, run-ins with smaller vessels such as excursion boats (which typically operate during the day) are more noticeable and may be non-lethal, making it easier to document these incidents. On the other hand, collisions involving large vessels may go unnoticed or only be detected by the crew hundreds of kilometres later when they dock.

Human impact

In addition to the injury caused to the animal, all of the collision cases resulting in damage to the vessel occurred when ships were operating at speeds exceeding 10 knots. Collisions cause damage to hulls, propellers, rudders, and steering arms, potentially leading to delivery delays and compromising safety on board. Additionally, these collisions are damaging to the maritime industry’s image.

Collisions in the St. Lawrence Estuary are concerning, as they affect species listed under the Species at Risk Act and hinder the recovery of already fragile populations. In a world of ever-larger vessels and distances travelled, it is essential to understand the behaviour of collision-prone species, identify the habitats and routes they frequent, and—above all—implement sustainable, effective measures to safeguard them from this threat.

If you witness a collision, contact a park warden at 1-866-508-9888