INREST presents the GREFS' scientific advances on the Saguenay Fjord
The Northern Institute for Research in Environment and Occupational Health and Safety (INREST) gathered researchers and partners at the Quai des Croisières pavilion in La Baie on August 20th for a special event. The occasion was held to present the results of three years of work by the Groupe de recherche sur l’écosystème du fjord du Saguenay (GREFS), a research group dedicated to studying the Saguenay Fjord’s biodiversity.
The directors of GREFS’ three partnering research organizations – the Centre for Industrial Port Expertise (CEIP), Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), and Université Laval – shared the key research advancements. For example, they reported a much richer biodiversity of benthic invertebrates than expected, with upwards of 130 species documented within a quarter of a square metre. A guided tour of the real-time water quality monitoring station was also offered to attendees, permitting them to discover the tools used on site.
The Enviro-Actions project is central to these studies. Coordinated by INREST and developed by CEIP, the project aims to create innovative solutions for preserving the fjord's biodiversity while supporting industrial activities. With an investment of $5.6 million provided by the Avantage Saint-Laurent maritime strategy, the project is helping to deepen the understanding of the ecosystem and to promote sustainable management of natural resources.
INREST also took the opportunity to recognize the contributions of its project collaborators and partners, who have supported 10 years of environmental innovation in industrial-port zones. Four Green Marine members were among the recipients of this distinction: the Port of Saguenay, Rio Tinto, Promotion Saguenay, and the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable du Québec. This distinction acknowledges their contributions to INREST’s projects, along with the positive effects of their collaboration on the sustainability and management of the fjord’s natural resources.
Photo credit : INREST - LinkedIn, August 21, 2025