Protecting Whales, One Conversation at a Time

“Hello [boat name], how’re we doing today?” asks Parks Canada public education officer Valérie Busque to a couple enjoying dinner on the deck of their boat on this gorgeous July afternoon. Dressed in her work uniform and a personal flotation device, Valérie patrols the docks, looking for newly moored pleasure craft at the Tadoussac marina. When new faces—and new boats—are spotted, she introduces herself and gets straight to the point: “Are you familiar with the regulations here in the Marine Park?”

In 2017, the Marine Activities in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations were amended. Valérie and her team base their awareness patrols on these regulations. In the summer months, she also has a team of park wardens at her disposal to carry out preventive work at sea.

Sometimes, the individuals encountered are regular boaters in the area, or they may have already crossed paths with one of Valérie’s colleague’s earlier in the day. In these cases, the conversation unfolds a little differently. The main goal is to clarify any aspects of the regulations that might not be entirely clear—in other words, to let people ask questions and provide explanations afterwards! If it’s their first time in the waters of the Marine Park, more detailed information will be provided about speed limits, separation distances, and areas that are off-limits to watercraft so that everyone is comfortable continuing their journey while respecting the species that frequent this marine protected area.

Of all the marine mammal species that frequent the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, three of them have special statuses: the beluga, the blue whale, and the fin whale. The first two are endangered, while the fin whale is of “special concern.” This is the kind of information Valérie explains to other boaters she meets that afternoon. She also reminds them of the distances to maintain and how to proceed if they cross paths with these animals. Did you know that it is forbidden to stop in the presence of a beluga and that a minimum distance of 400 metres between the observer and the animal(s) must be maintained at all times? And that Baie Sainte-Marguerite is off-limits to boaters between June 21 and September 21?

Valérie also mentions the bans on personal watercraft and on flying drones within the Marine Park. Using maps, she takes the opportunity to explain that the current Marine Park is being expanded with the goal of ensuring enhanced protection for the endangered species that frequent it.

After discussing the “Navigating Whale Habitat,” training program—which aims to educate people on how to conduct themselves in the presence of whales, whether they’re in a kayak, paddleboard, sailboat, or motorboat—Valérie concludes by entering a few notes about the craft she has encountered. Then it’s off to another chat with other boaters! Mission: To contribute to whale protection, one conversation at a time.