The Saguenay Fjord, located at the heart of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, is a unique natural environment where highly productive marine and coastal ecosystems interact. During winter, the fjord is subject to particularly harsh conditions—including extensive ice cover, prolonged sub-zero temperatures, and strong winds—that profoundly alter its physical, chemical, and biological dynamics.
The winter deployment of the FOREL research platform in the Saguenay Fjord (winter 2027–2028) represents a unique opportunity to conduct field sampling during the winter season, a period that remains largely understudied, and to improve our understanding of the processes governing northern environments. The mission will also provide an opportunity to test new scientific protocols, methodologies, and equipment under real operational conditions. In addition, it will serve to validate the vessel's operational capabilities, as well as the associated logistical and technical procedures, before undertaking larger-scale missions in more remote northern regions, including the High Arctic. Finally, this project will help engage the scientific community, assess researchers' interest in using this type of research infrastructure during winter, and strengthen collaborations in northern research.
Read the full call for proposals and application details here: Wintering 2027-2028
Photos : Julien Girardot
Science
05.10.2026
A new call for proposals is now open for the 2027–2028 expedition in the Saguenay Fjord, Quebec, Canada.