Show you care, keep your distance

Did you know that disturbances related to navigation, even with a small boat, can impact the health and reproduction of beluga whales and the survival of their young?

If you see one or many beluga whales:

• Move away and keep a distance of 400 metres between your vessel and the beluga whales.
• Maintain a constant speed between 5 and 10 knots, if possible.
• In the Saguenay–St-Lawrence marine park, do not stop if you are less than half a nautical mile (926 m) from the beluga whales.

To report an incident

If you witness any activity or behaviour that is disturbing beluga whales, please contact Poaching Alert at Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Internet or at 1-800-463-9057.

When a marine mammal is stranded, injured or entangled in fishing gear, alert the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network at 1-877-722-5346.

In the St. Lawrence Estuary, specific regulatory measures apply:

The Marine Mammal Regulations: www.qc.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

The Marine Activities in the Saguenay– St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations: marinepark.qc.ca/protect

Charline Le Mer
Gestion des écosystèmes