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.
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
Quand je navigue, je navigue sur quoi ?
Rivière Richelieu. Crédit photo : Joani Hotte-Jean.
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
Pourquoi rêvons-nous de vivre près d’un lac ?
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
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
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