Information
Studies and Laws
Scientific Studies
To Date
In 2014, Sara Mercier-Blais, research assistant, and Yves Prairie, Biology Professor at the University of Quebec at Montreal, conducted a study that indicated that wake boats with their ballast engaged produce powerful ocean-sized high waves that must travel 300 meters before their power dissipates (Mercier-Blais & Prairie, 2014).
To complete the assessment of the impacts of wake boats with ballasts in operation, the Université Laval undertook a study aimed at evaluating the impacts of wake boats on water columns. The results of this study indicated that the water columns churn up bottom sediments of waterways at depths of 7 meters or less, and release phosphorus in the process which contribute to the proliferation of aquatic plants and algae.(Raymond et Galvez, 2015).
Together the UQAM and Université Laval studies suggest that boats with wave amplifiers engaged must navigate in a passage of at least 600 meters and operate in depths of at least 7 meters.
The partners associated with the Université Laval study conducted in 2015 on lake des Sables (Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts) and lake Masson (L’Estérel and Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson) were:
- The MRC des Pays-d’en-Haut
- The Municipality of Estérel
- The Municipality of Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson
- The Municipality of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
In 2016, the COALITION NAVIGATION mandated the Université Laval to produce a comprehensive study of international literature concerning various types of boats in various types of marine environments. The sponsors of this exercise were:
- The Municipality of Lac-Sergent
- The Lac Sept-Îles Owners Association
- The Lake St-Joseph Environmental Protection Association
COALITION NAVIGATION is especially grateful to the pioneer sponsors not only for their generous contribution to science-based legislation, but also for their foresight in establishing models for other local governments and community groups to contribute in the completion of this most important work to once and for all have a basis for protecting our waterways in the face of increasing numbers of motorboats that pose threats to the environmental tolerances of our waterways.
Should you know of other municipalities, research organizations and citizen’s groups that may be interested in sponsoring additional research, and/or if you have identified additional research gaps that should be taken into account by COALITION NAVIGATION, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Lastly, on the impacts of water columns in shallow waters, the video produced by Lac-Sept-Îles Owners Association offers excellent insights into the turbidity and churning up of lake bottom sediments.
University of Minnesota Study
On a freshwater lake, no two waves are exactly alike: they depend on the boat, its speed, and how it is operated. To move beyond impressions, a University of Minnesota research team installed sensors on the lakebed and compared different types of watercraft under real-world conditions. At speeds and distances representative of typical use, the researchers precisely measured the height, energy, and power of waves generated by conventional planing and wakesurfing configurations.
Beyond the numbers, the study primarily highlights the physical effects of waves on the lake, including shoreline erosion, sediment resuspension, and impacts on water quality. It also provides recommended distances to help reduce these impacts near the shoreline.
Scientific Analysis by Maxime Wauthy
In Quebec, recreational boating is evolving, and the growing presence of wake boats raises concerns related to shoreline erosion, sediment resuspension, and water quality. Based on research-derived criteria a corridor at least 600 m wide (300 m on either side of the wake path) and a minimum depth of 7m this release uses data from the MELCCFP’s LCE database to map, by administrative region, the lakes that could theoretically accommodate wakesurfing.
Of the 39,193 mapped lakes, only those with sufficient width and depth are included, and the majority of the bodies of water assessed do not meet these thresholds. The goal is to provide simple, sustainable guidelines: the right boat, in the right place, in sustainable numbers, in order to balance enjoyment with the protection of our “blue gold.”
Enjoy the read!
Presentation by Dr. Chris Houser
Dr. Chris Houser, Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo, presents research findings on the impacts of wake boats on bodies of water. This presentation examines the effects of waves on shorelines, sediments, and aquatic ecosystems, while highlighting the importance of adapting boating practices to the characteristics of each lake.
View the presentation to learn more about the issues surrounding wake boats and the protection of our lakes and waterways.
Documentary: Water in Our Hands
This short documentary highlights the challenges facing Lake Sept-Îles, one of Quebec’s most beautiful lakes. Through clear explanations and images of the surrounding area, it provides a better understanding of how human activities affect water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems.
The video explores the effects of phosphorus, motorized boating, and shoreline degradation, while also presenting practical actions that can help protect our lakes.
We invite you to discover this inspiring documentary, which reminds us of the importance of taking collective action to preserve our lakes and waterways for future generations.
To Date
In 2014, Sara Mercier-Blais, research assistant, and Yves Prairie, Biology Professor at the University of Quebec at Montreal, conducted a study that indicated that wake boats with their ballast engaged produce powerful ocean-sized high waves that must travel 300 meters before their power dissipates (Mercier-Blais & Prairie, 2014).
To complete the assessment of the impacts of wake boats with ballasts in operation, the Université Laval undertook a study aimed at evaluating the impacts of wake boats on water columns. The results of this study indicated that the water columns churn up bottom sediments of waterways at depths of 7 meters or less, and release phosphorus in the process which contribute to the proliferation of aquatic plants and algae.(Raymond et Galvez, 2015).
Together the UQAM and Université Laval studies suggest that boats with wave amplifiers engaged must navigate in a passage of at least 600 meters and operate in depths of at least 7 meters.
The partners associated with the Université Laval study conducted in 2015 on lake des Sables (Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts) and lake Masson (L’Estérel and Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson) were:
- The MRC des Pays-d’en-Haut
- The Municipality of Estérel
- The Municipality of Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson
- The Municipality of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
In 2016, the COALITION NAVIGATION mandated the Université Laval to produce a comprehensive study of international literature concerning various types of boats in various types of marine environments. The sponsors of this exercise were:
- The Municipality of Lac-Sergent
- The Lac Sept-Îles Owners Association
- The Lake St-Joseph Environmental Protection Association
COALITION NAVIGATION is especially grateful to the pioneer sponsors not only for their generous contribution to science-based legislation, but also for their foresight in establishing models for other local governments and community groups to contribute in the completion of this most important work to once and for all have a basis for protecting our waterways in the face of increasing numbers of motorboats that pose threats to the environmental tolerances of our waterways.
Should you know of other municipalities, research organizations and citizen’s groups that may be interested in sponsoring additional research, and/or if you have identified additional research gaps that should be taken into account by COALITION NAVIGATION, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Lastly, on the impacts of water columns in shallow waters, the video produced by Lac-Sept-Îles Owners Association offers excellent insights into the turbidity and churning up of lake bottom sediments.
Our Recommendations
Most of Canada has bathymetric charts that detail the depth contours of waterways. These maps can be accessed through various organizations as described in the Coalition Navigation chronicle in Québec Yachting Fall 2023, page 90.
In addition to environmental considerations, the COALITION NAVIGATION aims to integrate the diverse concerns of communities across Canada. Boat owners must be informed about the hazards of transporting aquatic invasive species from one watercourse to another. Visual inspection and pressure washing are essential.
If you accidentally pollute the water, witness another person polluting the water, or notice the result of such an act, report the incident to a Government of Canada pollution prevention officer.
Anticipate
Many water body associations have their own voluntary code of conduct defining required responsible behavior of motorboat operators.
Leave in a natural state the shoreland areas 10 to 15 metres from the shoreline, as per municipal regulations (based on the slope of the land) or plant indigenous species well-adapted to the area concerned.
Do not use fertilizers other than natural compost and only do so during the plantation stage.
Reduce water resistant surfaces (asphalt, cement, construction materials, etc.) and maximize natural vegetation on the land to optimize water absorption and minimize erosion. Land erosion into the water body carries with it phosphorous, an ingredient favouring undesirable aquatic plants that contribute to the reduction of oxygen required for underwater marine life.
Properly maintain the septic tank and empty it peridodically, as per municipal regulations (ever 2 years or year depending on usage frequency).
Avoid 2-stroke motors, favouring 4-stroke or electric motors which are less polluting and noisy. Ensure proper maintenance of the motor to minimize pollution.
Fuel a motorboat responsibly and have tune-ups when needed.
Eliminate waste adequately to avoid having any of the waste spillage into the environment, including the water body. Don’t throw anything in the water.
Must read !
Enjoy your reading !
Denise Cloutier, our Vice President at Coalition Navigation, has written fascinating articles that offer unique perspectives on the issues of responsible and sustainable navigation. His contributions are both informative and inspiring, providing valuable insight into the protection of aquatic ecosystems.
Our chronicles
Between Fun and Noise - Finding the Right Volume for Our Waterways
An article published in Québec Yachting.
Volume 49 Number 02 Page 80-86
Have FUN While Protecting Aquatic Life!
An article published in Québec Yachting.
Volume 49 Number 01 Page 80-85
Boating While Ensuring the Long-Term Health of My Waterway
An article published in Québec Yachting.
A Conflict-Free Summer on the Water
An article published in Québec Yachting.
Are You a Skilled Boater? A Guide to Best Practices on My Waterway.
An article published in Québec Yachting.
Volume 48 Number 02
Is My Watercraft Contributing to the Spread of Invasive Plants That Prevent Me from Swimming?
An article published in Québec Yachting.
Volume 48 Number 01
How Much Can My Lake Handle?
An article published in Québec Yachting.
Volume 47 Number 04
Boating and Swimming...
An article published in Québec Yachting.
Volume 47 Number 03 Page 68
Navigate and Protect Our National Icon, the Common Loon!
An article published in Québec Yachting
Volume 47 Number 02
The Impact of Waves on Waterfront Properties
An article published in Québec Yachting
Volume 47 Number 01 Page 36 – 41
Why do we dream of living near a lake
An article published in Québec Yachting.
The bathymetric chart of my body of water
An article published in Québec Yachting.
When I'm boating, what's underneath me ?
Richelieu River. Photo credit : Joani Hotte-Jean.
An article published in Québec Yachting.
The Right Boat in the Right Place
An article published in Québec Yachting.
Quand je navigue, je navigue sur quoi ?
Un article paru dans Québec Yachting
Les cartes bathymétriques de mon plan d’eau
Carte bathymétrique du lac des Seize-Îles
Un article paru dans Quebec Yatching
Volume 46 Numéro 04 Page 90-95
Vivre à la campagne
Un article paru dans Vivre à la campagne
Volume 12 Numéro 2 Page 61
L'incidence des vagues sur les propriétés riveraines
Un article paru dans Québec Yatching
Volume 47 Numéro 01 Page 36 – 41
Naviguer et protéger notre icône nationale, le plongeon huard !
Un article paru dans Québec Yatching
Volume 47 Numéro 02 Page 96
A Must-Listen!
Discover the video produced by the Association des propriétaires du lac Sept-Îles, offering an excellent underwater view of water turbidity caused by the disturbance and accumulation of bottom sediments in the lake.
Those who spoke of us
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References
Asplund TH (2000). The Effects of Motorized Watercraft on Aquatic Ecosystems. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Integrated Science Services and University of Wisconsin-Madison, Water Chemistry Program.
Hansen JP, Sundblad G, Bergström U, Austin AN, Donadi S, Klemens Eriksson B, Eklöf JS (2019). Recreational boating degrades vegetation important for fish recruitment. Ambio, Vol. 48, N° 6: 539–551.
Nautisme Québec, 2016. https://www.nautismequebec.com/symposium/pdf/Mardi3-Alain%20RoyAMQ&NMMA.pdf
Venohr M, Langhans SD, Peters O, Hölker F, Arlinghaus R, Mitchell L, Wolter C (2018). The underestimated dynamics and impacts of water-based recreational activities on freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Reviews, Vol. 26, N° 2: 199-213.
- Boating impacts, various studies
- Lamarche_Laurie_Eve_Menv 2020_
- Timothy R. Asplund 2020
- Sébastien Raymond, Ph.D, 2017
- Plaisance ou déplaisance 2016
- Diagnose du lac Saint-Charles 2016
- Sébastien Raymond, 2015
- Sébastien Raymond présentation 2015
- Relevé de l’érosion des berges des lacs Masson, du Nord et Dupuis 2013
- RAPPEL sur la campagne de sensibilisation