The Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area, a Unique Jewel in the Gaspésie Region

The Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a rich natural environment in the waters off the tip of the Forillon Peninsula, in the Gaspésie region. Stretching over 1,000 km² , it is a critical feeding ground for many species.

Bathed in the nutrient-rich Gaspé Current, the MPA lies on a major migration route that attracts a number of fish species, including some of commercial interest, as well as whales that come there to feed. For example, cod, capelin, rainbow smelt, herring, mackerel, blue whales and humpback whales are found in the MPA. It is also home to the Atlantic wolffish, a species at risk that is fond of the area’s rocky crevices.

Atlantic wolffish. Photo: Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Maurice Lamontagne Institute Marine Conservation Target team and divers

Five years of protection

The Banc-des-Américains MPA is the first joint project undertaken under the Canada–Quebec Collaborative Agreement to Establish a Network of Marine Protected Areas in Quebec (available in French). It is jointly managed by the governments of Canada and Quebec and benefits from dual protection status, established by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) [Quebec Department of Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks] respectively. Specifically, it is protected as:

a Marine Protected Area under the federal Oceans Act; and
a proposed aquatic reserve under the Quebec Natural Heritage Conservation Act.

The MPA’s fifth anniversary was celebrated in 2024.

Help protect the Banc-des-Américains MPA

To do your part to protect this unique area, familiarize yourself with the Banc-des-Américains MPA and make sure to comply with regulations. You can also participate in citizen science and community activities. For example, you can share your marine mammal sightings with the Marine Mammal Observation Network and report incidents involving them to the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network.

Starfish. Photo: Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Maurice Lamontagne Institute Marine Conservation Target team and divers

Where does the name “Banc des Américains” come from?

Two hundred years ago, the area was known far and wide for its richness and abundance of fish, attracting hundreds of fishing boats from the United States. It became known as the Banc des Américains [American Bank]. The MPA is located in this area, hence its name.

Whale Whale. Photo: Fisheries and Oceans Canada