In 2001, a hydrographic survey conducted by the Canadian Hydrographic Service in Mont-Joli, on behalf of the National Defence, revealed the existence of a strange underwater crater. Found near Sept-Îles at a depth of 40 metres, this circular structure generated considerable interest among researchers, geologists and geomorphologists, who saw it as an "enigmatic form" of "great interest."

A public consultation is currently being held on adding several populations of cod, redfish and plaice on Canada's east coast to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk.

A brand new research project on the St. Lawrence's beluga whale population began at the end of summer 2013 and will continue for three years. The main purpose of this study is to administer pregnancy tests to the belugas in the St. Lawrence to determine whether their reproduction rate is normal. Fisheries and Oceans Canada research scientist Véronique Lesage is leading the project in collaboration with experts Robert Michaud from the Groupe de recherche et d’éducation sur les mammifères marins (GREMM), Greg O’Corry-Crowe from Florida's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Tim Frasier from Nova Scotia's Saint Mary's University. The team is interested in a concern about the possibility of low recruitment in the St. Lawrence beluga whale population, raised during a 2007 review of the population's status.

About ten years ago, a team from the Maurice Lamontagne Institute (MLI) developed and built the first scientific buoy equipped with optical, oceanographic and meteorological sensors to, among other things, help validate and interpret satellite data and follow oceanographic conditions in real time. However, given the structure's obvious signs of aging, it was time to move on to an entirely new scientific buoy model using the experience acquired over the last decade. Enter the second-generation buoy, named Viking for its robustness.

The northwest Atlantic grey seal population has increased markedly over the last four decades. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has conducted considerable research in the Maritimes and Quebec on abundance, diet, and movements of this population. These activities have provided new insights into grey seal ecology, as well as crucial information related to grey seal–fisheries interactions.

The Association des pêcheurs propriétaires des Îles-de-la-Madeleine (APPIM) obtained certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) on July 18, 2013, confirming that its fishing activities are sustainable. This recognition was granted after the Irish consultant group Global Trust Certification conducted an assessment of the Magdalen Islands lobster fishery. The assessment process officially began in August 2012.

In 2006, the United Nations declared June 21 as World Hydrography Day. The theme for 2013 selected by the International Hydrographic Organization is "Hydrography — Underpinning the Blue Economy."

In June 2012, after 33 years of loyal service, the CCGS Amundsen was overhauled. Major engine repairs were required. The ship's six main engines were replaced with new identical engines of the same series, and its three electrical generators were replaced with a new class of generators.