Reconciliating Fisheries with a Variety of Other Human Activities in a Marine Protected Area Context

The establishment of the Saguenay-St.Lawrence Marine Park in 1998 was the result of twenty years of studies, public support and negotiations. It’s establishment is a significant event in the field of marine conservation in Canada. Preserving biodiversity and ecological processes, ensuring ecologically sustainable use, enhancing awareness and visitor experiences as well as promoting scientific research encompass the objectives of the Marine Park. The diversity of marine life, the majestic Saguenay Fjord as well as easy access of this coastal region has set the stage for well-established whale-watching activities, for a variety of pleasure boating activities and for scuba diving. Life abounds here, yet, as in other parts of the Great Lakes—St Lawrence watershed, human activities exert pressure in the form of pollution, coastal development, intensive navigation, and fishing. The multiplicity of activities occurring in such an exceptional area makes the Marine Park a valuable case study for how to reconcile a large variety of human activities in a marine protected area context. The presentation will focus on issues and innovative solutions implemented through partnership in the Marine Park with regards to fisheries management.