Below the Surface

Although the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve itself is confined to the islands, the surrounding ocean has a profound impact on the islands, their inhabitants and the visitors. The currents and waves that helped shape these islands in the past now brings life to the islands and the waters surrounding them. A current coming down from Labrador pushing its way between Anticosti island and the mainland creates an upwelling in the ocean. Bringing nutrient rich water towards the surface, allowing a bloom of prey species such as zooplankton, krill and fish, and making it an ideal feeding ground for seabirds, whales, seals, fish and other marine life.