An Act respecting threatened and vulnerable species 

For the protection of Quebec's biological diversity

In Quebec there is a law to protect biological diversity that is similar to Canada's Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species was adopted in 1989. The specific goals of this law are:

• to prevent the extinction of species living in Quebec
• to avoid reducing population numbers of plant and animal species designated as threatened or vulnerable
• to ensure habitat conservation for species designated as threatened or vulnerable
• to restore populations and habitats of species designated as threatened or vulnerable
• to prevent species becoming threatened or vulnerable

By virtue of this law, the Quebec government establishes a list of potentially threatened or vulnerable species; species whose situation is of concern. In 2003, 67 species were on this list. Four of them are St. Lawrence cetaceans: the North Atlantic right whale, the humpback whale, the blue whale and the fin whale.

A situation report is prepared for each of these species. This report contains the most up-to-date knowledge concerning the species in question, including information on its biology and distribution in Quebec and in North America. In light of this information, the provincial government decides whether or not to grant the legal status of 'threatened' or 'vulnerable' to the species being evaluated. To date, 12 animal species have been placed on Quebec's threatened or vulnerable species list, including the St. Lawrence population. Plans are prepared that set forth actions favouring the recovery of the species. Committees of experts ensure monitoring of the implementation of these plans.

Once a species is designated as 'threatened' or 'vulnerable', its management and protection fall under the aegis of an Act respecting wildlife conservation and development.

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Loi sur les espèces menacées et vulnérables (in French only)

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