Ocean Tracking Network

🌊 A glimpse into the Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area (MPA)

Located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence along the Gaspé Peninsula, the Banc-des-Américains MPA stretches roughly 35 km from Cap Gaspé to Bonaventure Island. Beneath the surface, it protects rich seafloor habitats that support a wide diversity of marine life.

In 2025, an innovative acoustic telemetry project was launched to better understand how species use this protected area, with a focus on Atlantic wolffish and American lobster. A distinctive aspect of the project is its field approach, combining boat-based receiver deployments with scientific diving to tag wolffish directly underwater.

Using a network of 50 loaned OTN acoustic receivers, combined with 47 existingFisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) receivers, researchers can track movements in remarkable detail—revealing where animals go, how long they stay, and which habitats are most important to them.

These insights will help assess the effectiveness of the MPA, strengthen long-term monitoring efforts, and support future conservation and management decisions. 🪸

📸: Laélien Bassi (DFO/MPO)

We’ve loved highlighting the amazing work of OTN researchers, and, now it’s your turn!

📢 Submit your research profile and help us showcase the diversity and impact of our community. https://oceantrackingnetwork.org/research-profiles/

We’re inviting OTN collaborators to feature their work in a research profile!

Researchers are doing amazing work and we want to share it! If you’re part of the OTN community and want to highlight your project, check out our research profiles. They’re a great way to:

🌊 Strengthen community connections
🌊 Share your insights with a global audience
🌊 Inspire future research

Learn more & get started: https://oceantrackingnetwork.org/research-profiles/

FACT Network MigraMar European Tracking Network ATAP - Tracking fish movements IMOS Animal Tracking Facility