Maurice Lamontagne Institute
Located in Mont-Joli, on the shores of the St. Lawrence Estuary in Quebec, the Maurice Lamontagne Institute is part of Fisheries and Oceans Canada's network of research centers. Opened in 1987, it is one of the world's leading French-language marine science research centers.
Approximately 500 people at the Institute, in ocean sciences and aquatic ecosystem management.
The multidisciplinary teams there provide the federal government with a rigorous scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources and aquatic ecosystems, the protection of the marine environment, and safe navigation.
Its activities mainly cover the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf, the Saguenay Fjord, and the marine regions of Eeyou and Nunavik for marine mammals. Some activities, aimed at protecting fisheries and aquatic species at risk, also cover Quebec's freshwater ecosystems.
To learn more about the Maurice Lamontagne Institute, watch this video or visit our contact information page.
Scientific facilities
The Maurice Lamontagne Institute covers an area of 25,000 square metres and has over 70 labs for research in biology, oceanography, hydroacoustics, physical sea condition modelling, and biochemical and ecosystemic modelling.
It also has a genetic analysis laboratory, a dissection room, rooms for hydrographic, cartographic, and remote sensing work, and meeting rooms.
Tank Room
This is a specialized wet lab covering more than 2,000 square meters that can accommodate freshwater and saltwater tanks of various sizes, as well as high-tech equipment for conducting controlled experimental studies.
This basin system, one of the largest of its kind in Canada, allows large-scale experimental studies on the reproduction, physiology, and behaviour of marine species and ecosystems to be conducted in the laboratory. The salt water used in the basins comes directly from the St. Lawrence Estuary.
In addition, seven controlled-atmosphere units support small-scale experiments in various fields, such as marine acidification.
Canadian Coast Guard Shipyard
Nearly 85 ships and small boats are maintained here each year. Scientists at the Institute also have access to a fleet of ships and helicopters. Two ships are dedicated to scientific research in oceanography and fisheries science.
Estelle-Laberge Auditorium
The research center also houses a 250-seat auditorium where events such as scientific conferences are held.