65-770: Les Escoumins is a municipality in La Haute-Côte-Nord Regional County Municipality in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec . It is located on the north shore of the maritime estuary of the St. Lawrence River . Its name has traditionally been recognized to come from the Innu-aimun iskomin , meaning "where there are many seeds" or "there are fruits or seeds", in turn from the roots isko or ishko ("as far as this/that") and min (red seeds, or wild berries in general). According to more recent theory, it could also be
130-471: A marine protected area (MPA). Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park was the first park in Canada to be dedicated to preserving a marine environment. The Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park is the product of years of coordinated conservation efforts between the two governments and is part of a larger endeavour to protect Canada's marine environment. There was no transfer of land, so each government continues to act within
195-404: A change of -5.1% from its 2016 population of 1,891. With a land area of 265.89 km (102.66 sq mi), it had a population density of 6.7/km (17.5/sq mi) in 2021. The median age of the population in 2021 was 54.8 and 92% of the people were over 15. At the same census 14.86% reported being Indigenous , almost evenly divided between Métis and First Nations . Languages spoken at
260-478: A distinct ecosystem for the species in the park. Different species of whales in particular are drawn to the rich food supply stirred up by the mixing of these waters. One of these species is the St. Lawrence Beluga whale, which is endemic to Canada and a species at risk. The most popular activity in the park is whale-watching . The park provides a variety of opportunities on and off the water for visitors to see them. There are several human impacts that threaten
325-477: A few minor differences from that of ville . However it is moot since there are no longer any cities in existence. Dorval and Côte Saint-Luc had the status of city when they were amalgamated into Montreal on January 1, 2002 as part of the municipal reorganization in Quebec ; however, when re-constituted as independent municipalities on January 1, 2006, it was with the status of town ( French : ville ) (although
390-717: A high diversity of species. According to the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Management Plan (2010), over 1,000 species of flora and fauna have been estimated to live there. The St. Lawrence Beluga whale and the harbour seal are the two marine mammal species that are residents of the park year-round. Other species that migrate to the marine park during different seasons are the blue whale , minke whale , fin whale , humpback whale , killer whale , long-finned pilot whale , northern bottlenose whale , sperm whale , North Atlantic right whale , white-beaked dolphin , Atlantic white-sided dolphin , harbour porpoise , harbour seal, and
455-408: A large range of biodiversity. While each ecosystem differs in its temperature, salinity, sea floor, and depth, there are some processes that occur across the entire marine park. Most significantly, the continuous upwelling of cold water throughout this ecosystem bring fresh nutrients to the surface. The uneven underwater topography also supports producers, creating a strong ecological foundation for
520-419: A multitude of negative side effects. These side effects occur in areas of neuroendocrine , DNA damage, immunocompetence and increased energy expenses. This not only harms the clams, but also species that feed upon them, most notable is the endangered beluga whale . Ragworm Nereis diversicolor, gammarids , fish, birds, are impacted as well as others through bioaccumulation . The true scope of this issue
585-449: A problem for the fjord, but these have been greatly reduced. Organic contaminants such as organochlorines are bigger threats to current marine life. On April 6, 1990, the governments of Quebec and Canada signed an agreement to create the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. The management plan was originally drafted in 1995, and the park was officially created in 1998. This was the first time that Quebec and Canada worked together to create
650-468: A treaty resulting from this claim could impact activities that are practiced within the park. The region surrounding the park is an important part of the history of Canada, being one of the first points of contact between Indigenous Peoples and European explorers and the birthplace of the intercontinental fur trade . The Maritime estuary of St. Lawrence begin at the Saguenay Fjord this meeting form
715-560: A variation of the Mi'kmaq term eskumunaak , meaning "lookout place". In addition, other sources say that the place is named Essipit in Innu-aimun, meaning "river of shells". Several spellings have been used over the centuries such as Uscamin, Les Escoumains, Essuie-Mains, L'Esquemin, Lesquemin, Leschemin (Champlain, 1629), L'Esquemain , and Lesquemain (1611 map of Champlain and other texts of 1626). The oldest reference to this name dates back to
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#1732855190060780-606: Is a radio station in the community. Classification of municipalities in Quebec The following is a list of the types of local and supralocal territorial units in Quebec , Canada, including those used solely for statistical purposes, as defined by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy and compiled by the Institut de la statistique du Québec Not included are
845-435: Is a worry about the effects this could have on whales. Beluga whales are a central part of tourism in the park, and it has been known as one of the best locations to go whale watching . The area once served as a refuge for whales from low frequency noise, but this is being put to the test. It has been observed that the negative effects associated with this increased noise have the greatest impact on calves and females. This
910-572: Is also a different kind of submunicipal unit, unconstituted localities , which is defined and tracked not by the Quebec Ministry of Municipal Affairs but by Statistics Canada . Saguenay%E2%80%93St. Lawrence Marine Park The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is a National Marine Conservation Area , one of three in the Canadian national park system, located where the Saguenay River meets
975-420: Is at the southernmost end of the species’ range. The St. Lawrence beluga population faces various threats, including underwater noise, habitat degradation, and pollution. The population has demonstrated evidence of significant demographic shifts since the middle of the 2000s, including an increase in neonatal deaths and a decrease in the number of young individuals in the population. Other at-risk species include
1040-509: Is currently not known, but there is a high potential risk. There is minimal knowledge of commercial and recreational fishing in Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park despite its long history of fishing use. However, fishing is still thought to be a point of concern by Parks Canada . The true fish population and catch rates are unknown, which make quantifying this issue difficult. Even without clear data, there has been warning signs that imply that
1105-407: Is located approximately 40 km northeast of Tadoussac , between Bergeronnes and Saint-Paul-du -North. From its docks, it is even possible to observe marine mammals and even the largest living being on earth, the blue whale. Year-round service is available from Laurentian Pilotage Authority . A ferry service runs between Les Escoumins and Trois-Pistoles . The Marine Environment Discovery Centre
1170-544: Is located within Essipit. It is accessible via The Whale Route (Route 138) . Whit 33 000 km of trails , The Federation of Snowmobile Clubs of Quebec and La Minganie Snowmobile Club, based in Les Escoumins, offer detailed interactive maps on the different circuits and their points of services. On the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, surrounded by a multitude of bodies of water and vast expanses of sand, Les Escoumins
1235-449: Is that the designation might serve to disambiguate between otherwise identically named municipalities, often neighbouring ones. Many such cases have had their names changed, or merged with the identically named nearby municipality since the 1950s, such as the former Township of Granby and City of Granby merging and becoming the Town of Granby in 2007. Municipalities are governed primarily by
1300-473: Is the final 17% of the marine park. It is over 105 kilometres (65 mi) long and 275 metres (902 ft) deep. Mammals such as whales frequent the region due to its depth and supply of nutrients. Despite the fjord being rich in nutrients, it is the least stable region, with its health considered unstable. Fish populations have been declining, which is one indicator of the fjord's poor health. Historically, major contaminants such as mercury and lead have been
1365-498: Is the main diving attraction in the region. It is also an interpretation centre for the fauna and flora of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park , allowing you to discover the subarctic underwater ecosystem and hear the divers-biologists describe its particularities. (Seasonal activity) In the 2021 Canadian census conducted by Statistics Canada , Les Escoumins had a population of 1,794 living in 856 of its 983 total private dwellings,
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#17328551900601430-443: Is worrying as calves and females are extremely important to the persistence of this endangered species. Investigations into this problem are still in the early stages, however, there is an understanding that harm is being done. Political action to address this is still relatively uncertain, and the conflict between the transportation sector and conservationists adds complexity. Parks Canada does have stated goals to address this, but
1495-565: The Code municipal du Québec (Municipal Code of Québec, R.S.Q. c. C-27.1), whereas cities and towns are governed by the Loi sur les cités et villes (Cities and Towns Act, R.S.Q. c. C-19) as well as (in the case of the older ones) various individual charters. The very largest communities in Quebec are colloquially called cities; however there are currently no municipalities under the province's current legal system classified as cities. Quebec's government uses
1560-499: The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) that live in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park or migrate there seasonally. One of these species, the St. Lawrence beluga whale ( Delphinapterus leucas ) was designated as endangered in 1983 by COSEWIC. The St. Lawrence beluga whale status was then changed to threatened in 1997. However, in 2014, the designation
1625-534: The Maritime estuary of the St. Lawrence River . This park is jointly managed by Parks Canada ( Government of Canada ) and Sépaq ( Government of Quebec ). It is the first park in all of Canada to protect a purely marine environment , and covers a surface area of 1,245 km . The area that is now the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is a part of the Innue Essipit First Nation 's land claim, and
1690-620: The grey seal . High krill and capelin concentrations make the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park an essential feeding site for several of these species. Zooplankton is also abundant in this area. Additionally, the islands of the estuary are recognized as crucial locations for various bird species to nest. Aside from whales, seals, and birds, the marine park contains several hundred varieties of benthic and pelagic organisms, including numerous species of algae . The marine park also provides ideal habitat for food, rest, and wintering of several bird species. There are 13 species deemed at risk by
1755-441: The urban agglomerations in Quebec , which, although they group together multiple municipalities, exercise only what are ordinarily local municipal powers. A list of local municipal units in Quebec by regional county municipality can be found at List of municipalities in Quebec . All municipalities (except cities), whether township, village, parish, or unspecified ones, are functionally and legally identical. The only difference
1820-440: The wildlife and landscape, leading to the first legislation to preserve salmon habitats in 1860. In the 20th century Saguenay entered the industrial era, rapidly expanding their forestry industry to include pulp and paper plants , as well as developing into the hydroelectric and aluminum industries. This industrialization led to the urbanization and modernization of the region, expanding upstream. The rising concern for
1885-420: The 1980s and 1990s, sea ice had been significantly reduced. As a result, the low ice conditions reduced the availability of habitats and marine mammal stranding occurred more as more ice melted. The effect on marine productivity was also negative. Shipping noise and other water traffic are detrimental to the endangered whale population. As traffic in the Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park increases, there
1950-523: The 2021 census, as a mother tongue were French (99.71%), English (0.29%), and other languages (0.29%). The Marine Environment Discovery Centre in Les Escoumins offers snorkelling and scuba diving, and observation areas for seals, seabirds, and whales, within the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park . It is accessible via The Whale Route (Route 138) and by the sea. Year-round service is available from Laurentian Pilotage Authority . A ferry service runs between Les Escoumins and Trois-Pistoles . CHME-FM
2015-548: The English term town as the translation for the French term ville , and township for canton . The least-populated towns in Quebec ( Barkmere , with a population of about 60, or L'Île-Dorval , with less than 10) are much smaller than the most populous municipalities of other types ( Saint-Charles-Borromée and Sainte-Sophie , each with populations of over 13,300). The title city ( French : cité code=C) still legally exists, with
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2080-529: The French continued to colonize the land, the region became a popular place for vacationing and sport fishing . In 1864 the first hotel was established in Québec City, setting the stage for the tourism industry in the Saguenay region. This was supported by progress in steam navigation that led to the rapid expansion of the region's tourism industry. Vacationers raised concerns for the impact that industry had had on
2145-461: The Indigenous peoples of the region and European explorers when their fur trade was woven into the existing Indigenous trade network in the 16th century through the establishment of the first settler trading post in 1600 by Pierre de Chauvin . Trade between the Indigenous peoples of the region and Basque fisherman can be traced back as early as 1580. The Basque were the first Europeans to work in
2210-445: The St. Lawrence Estuary. An alliance between the French and the Indigenous peoples in and around Tadoussac was created in 1603 led by Samuel de Champlain . This agreement led to the establishment of Québec City in 1608. In the 17th to the 19th century, Indigenous peoples relied on marine wildlife for subsistence, fishing for salmon and hunting seals and seabirds . They traded their furs and oils made from sea mammal fat at
2275-634: The area were the Basques around the 1630s. In 1723, a cross was erected in honour of Our Dame of Bon-Désir, thereafter the place was also known as Bon-Desir. That same year the Mission of Saint-Marcellin was founded. But the first permanent European settler in Escoumins was Joseph Moreau, an employee of the Hudson's Bay Company , who arrived in 1825. It wasn't until 1845 that a real village began to form when many families from
2340-436: The boundaries of the park and to present the management plan. Management of the park is done following the principles of environmentally sustainable use, where ecosystems are used according to their limits regarding providing ecosystem services and resources. This ecosystem-based management method takes into account the renewal rates of marine resources. As well, protects endangered populations and habitats and aims to reduce
2405-585: The coordinating committee's intervention framework. The Ecosystem Management and Research Advisory Committee are tasked with identifying the needs and priorities related to the collection of scientific knowledge and data in the park. The continued commitment of all parties involved in the management of the park is crucial to achieving the maintenance of biodiversity and management of both marine resources and human activities. The revised management plan (2010) lays out new visions and actions that need to be taken in order to further protect ecosystems and biodiversity in
2470-434: The environment near the end of the 20th century led to a revival of the tourism industry with a new focus on nature and cultural heritage , and eventually the creation of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. Ecotourism remains one of the most important economic activities in the region to this day, generation lots of economic benefits for surrounding communities. The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park provides habitat for
2535-447: The establishment of teams to develop management tools for public safety , resource conservation, and environmental emergencies. The harmonization management committee was created to help harmonize the management activities of the provincial and federal governments and ensure co-management between governments. The coordinating committee is made up of representatives from various government departments and organizations involved in managing
2600-575: The fin whale, the blue whale, harbour porpoise , the North Atlantic right whale, and the Barrow's goldeneye . The Saguenay-St.Lawrence Marine Park contains three distinct ecosystems, including the upper estuary , lower estuary, and the Saguenay- Fjord . Each is hard to define by strict boundaries due to the nature of water, but it is the unique combination of all three that allows the park to support
2665-423: The future of this issue is once again uncertain. Human pollution is a risk for species that live within the Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park. Shorelines of surrounding rivers lack industrial, agricultural , or even urban development which aids the health of this region. However, due to many river systems affecting this area, less direct influences of urban development have been found to significantly impact
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2730-488: The impact that human activities have on the operation of ecosystems. The management plan was revisited in 2010 and a new document was produced. The revised management plan describes issues and objectives that guide new strategies to be implemented concerning the following: participatory management, ecosystem biodiversity, environmental sustainability of resource use, visitor experience, public education, public awareness, and administration. The creation of this park involved
2795-478: The map of Levasseur of 1601, that shows Escanimes ; and to a contract of 1604 that included the rare spelling Esguenim . The area is considered the cradle of the Côte-Nord Amerindian, who have lived there for thousands of years. The Innu (Montagnais) and Mi'kmaq frequented the area, particularly in the spring to gather berries that covered the rocks and adorned the mossy plains. The first Europeans in
2860-576: The most popular activity being whale watching. While belugas live in the park year-round, they are best spotted between May and October. Visitors can be right on the water through cruises, sea kayaking, boating, or scuba diving. Beyond this, there are four tourist regions that offer other attractions forming a “Discovery Network” along the coast of the park. These regions are Bas-Saint-Laurent , Charlevoix , Côte-Nord , and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean . Common tourist attractions such as museums, hiking, and more opportunities for whale-watching are available. As
2925-456: The municipal government of Dorval still uses the name Cité de Dorval). Prior to January 1, 1995, the code for municipalité was not M but rather SD ( sans désignation ; that is, unqualified municipality). Prior to 2004, there was a single code, TR, to cover the modern-day TC and TK. When the distinction between TC and TK was introduced, it was made retroactive to 1984, date of the federal Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act (S.C. 1984, c. 18). There
2990-426: The new residents, impacting the nature and Indigenous peoples who had relied on this land to support them for centuries. The Innu 's saw a drastic decline in the hunting and fishing grounds which raised the first notions for land to be set aside for them in the form of reserves. The first conflicts between marine environmental users, as well as concerns for the preservation of those marine environments were raised. As
3055-719: The park and within specified zones. The Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Protected Area and surrounding areas are part of the traditional territories of the Innu Essipit First Nation, the Pessamit Innu Band , and the Maliseet of Viger First Nation. The area that is now the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is a part of the Essipit Innu First Nation's traditional territory, and a treaty resulting from their land claim could impact activities that are practiced within
3120-447: The park on the strategies and methods needed to attain the objectives outlined in the plan. The management plan emphasized the importance of public consultation and participation, especially the participation of Indigenous peoples, is crucial to the park's success. The coordinating committee has created six different advising boards. Each committee provides their own focus to help define the challenges associated with different aspects of
3185-436: The park such as climate change , noise pollution , chemical pollution, and overfishing , many of which are not fully understood. The Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region and surrounding areas are home to a rich and important part of Canadian history. The land has long hosted an abundance of natural resources such as fish, game, and berries, that played a large role in the survival of nomadic populations for generations. The region
3250-519: The park, as well as ensure ecologically sustainable use of resources. These include, but are not limited to; The goal of the park is to provide opportunities for visitors to enjoy a mostly undisturbed marine environment. Activities such as marine tours, cruises, scuba diving are allowed, and encouraged. Through partnerships with communities in the areas surrounding the park, tourism in the area has grown and many different recreational activities and services are available to visitors. This has benefitted
3315-504: The park. The Upper Estuary takes up the most area of the park, making up approximately 53%. It is characterized by wide flats, islands, and strong tides. It is the shallowest and warmest region, and has a rough sea floor. The water is high salinity-wise, but good circulation in this area mixes it well with freshwater. Despite the Upper Estuary being over 50% of the park, it has not been well-researched. The park management plan states
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#17328551900603380-552: The park. A representative from the Essipit Innu Band Council sits on the coordinating committee and other advisory boards. They contribute significantly to the presentation of the park, attesting to the long-established presence of Indigenous peoples in the area, as well as promoting the ancestral and contemporary cultural significance. Additionally, any projects that are considered by the committee that may have an impact on any Indigenous Communities, will first go through
3445-538: The park. The coordination zone of the park includes land claimed by the Malecite First Nation in Viger. The heritage presentations in the park take into consideration the activities, interests, and experiences of the Indigenous communities within the coordination zone. The Essipit Innu First Nation has been involved from the beginning and have played an essential role in all stages of the planning and implementation of
3510-545: The park. There are representatives from the governments of provincial, federal, and regional governments involved in managing the park. Along with the Montagnais Essipit Band Council, a conservation group, the scientific community, the education community and Parks Canada. The coordinating committee is tasked with ensuring that follows up on the management plan is done and to advise the Ministers responsible for
3575-619: The park. Waste treatment is unsatisfactory, leading to untreated human waste being found in the water along with high levels of suspended particles due to how water enters the system. Industrial pollution, while less impactful, also has an effect. Fertilizer leaching into the water, and river seeing extensive use for transportation has led to pollutants entering the water, however the weight of these findings are less understood than that of urban development. Clams have been affected negatively by chemical pollution such as fuel combustion, oil contamination, and urban pollution, which has led to
3640-442: The population may be declining. Catch rates while ice fishing have been noted to be falling, as well as a general yearly population decline. There is a push to acquire more data, but it will be seen when this will happen, or if it will be successful in managing the fish community . The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park has attracted 1,070,634 visitors during the season 2022 to 2023. There are many opportunities for visitors, with
3705-467: The present data only indicate that the area supports species reproduction. The lower estuary accounts for 30% of the marine park. It is composed of saltwater from the Laurentian Channel , and is much deeper than the Upper Estuary. Considered a 'stable' region, marine life is plentiful despite contaminants from upstream. It also serves the Saguenay Fjord with oxygen-rich water. The Saguenay Fjord
3770-440: The process of informing the communities. Sea ice is vital to certain species' habitats in the marine park, particularly marine mammals . One major concern of the park is that the rising temperatures as a result of climate change are correlated with sea ice melt. Sea ice conditions were monitored from 1994 to 2008 in a study examining the entire St.Lawrence ecosystem, which includes the marine park. When compared to data from
3835-454: The scope of their jurisdictions within the park. The park was created to increase the level of protection of a representative portion of the ecosystems present in the Saguenay River and St. Lawrence estuary. This was done with the goal of benefitting the present and future generations, for conservation purposes and to encourage its use for education, science and recreation. Two rounds of public consultations were conducted in order to determine
3900-620: The south shore of the St. Lawrence River , especially from Trois-Pistoles , Rivière-Ouelle , Rimouski , and a group of Charlevoix settled there. In 1853, the local post office opened. The timber trade caused the village to grow rapidly when logs were floated down the Escoumins River from the cutting area to the Bay des Escoumins where they were loaded in barges. In 1863, the Municipality of Les Escoumains
3965-412: The surrounding regions and has greatly contributed to the social, economic and cultural development and wellbeing of the local communities. There is no harvesting of natural resources permitted in the park, although large commercial ships are allowed to pass through. There is some recreational hunting and fishing activities permitted within the park, so long as they comply with the management principles of
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#17328551900604030-593: The trading post in Tadoussac, located at the mouth of the Saguenay River. The establishment of beluga fisheries began in 1701, until 1979 when beluga farming was banned. In the 19th century, demand for fish rose due to a boom in the forestry industry that led to a rapid increase in the French Canadian population as more sawmills were built. As the population increased, the land was transformed in order to house
4095-556: Was formed. In the beginning of 1957, the spelling of the municipality's name was corrected to the current form. Its economy is mostly based on the service sectors, especially education, health, and tourism. The village is currently the largest of the so-called "Secteur BEST" (i.e. the municipalities of Bergeronnes , Escoumins, Sacré-Coeur , Tadoussac ). It is home to a hospital (The Centre de santé de la Haute-Côte-Nord, previously known as Hôpital St-Alexandre), an Indian reserve ( Essipit , an Innu community), an FM radio station, CHME ,
4160-530: Was occupied for at least 8,000 years prior to European contact. Findings from many archeological sites confirm the ancient peoples' seal hunting activities, and there is evidence that the Indigenous peoples of the region were a part of a network that extended from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Coast. Over the centuries, subsistence activities and trade evolved. The region became a crossroad for trade between
4225-421: Was re-examined and changed back to endangered . Up until the early 2000s, the population was growing at a rate of 0.13% each year. Since then, the population has been decreasing at around a rate of 1% each year. This beluga population is currently approximately 900 individuals, and is endemic to Canada. Additionally, this population is geographically and reproductively isolated from other populations because it
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