The loss of wild species is a major environmental
concern throughout the world today.
As biodiversity decreases, the whole
equilibrium of our planet’s ecosystems suffers.
 
Species often disappear because their habitat has been destroyed. But there are other factors that play into the equation: the use of pesticides, acid rain, climate changes, the presence of invasive species, and abusive commercial trade practices with regard to certain species.
 
Canada is not exempt from this problem. According to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), there are currently 431 animal and plant species considered at risk, which means their status falls into one of the following five categories:

Extinct (X) A species that no longer exists
Extirpated (XT) A species no longer existing in Canada but occurring elsewhere (e.g., Atlantic grey whale)
Endangered (E) A species facing imminent extirpation or extinction (e.g., beluga, blue whale)
Threatened (T) A species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed
Of Special Concern (SC) A species whose characteristics make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events (e.g., fin whale)
    
The biodiversity of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park area is also threatened. While the park boasts a rich natural environment, some of its species have already disappeared and others are of such concern that special measures are needed to protect them.
  • Beluga
  • Blue Whale
  • Atlantic Cod
  • Barrow's Goldeneye
  • Harnour Porpoise
  • Fin Whale
  • Harbour Seal
  • Humpback Whale
  • Harlequin Duck
  • Sturgeon
  • American Shad
  • Strip Bass
  • Atlantic Wolffish

While the marine park team works hard at re-establishing species at risk, you too, can do your part by complying with the Marine Activities in the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations.

Click on the following links to learn about the species at risk in the marine park.
  • Website on species at risk
    www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca
  • Species at Risk Act
    www.ec.gc.ca/press/000411_b_f.htm
  • Parks Canada program on species at risk
    http://www.pc.gc.ca/canada/pn-tfn/itm1-/index_f.asp
  • Public Registry: Species at Risk Act
    www.registrelep.gc.ca
  • Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
    www.parcscanada.gc.ca/nature/eep-sar/pop/francais/sar/10-104-03-20-51_f.html