Located at the confluence of the fresh waters of the Saguenay Fjord and the salt waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park was created in 1998 at the request of the community to protect beluga whales and their habitat. It is the first marine protected area in the province of Québec and one of the first in Canada. Co-managed by the governments of Québec and Canada, the marine park has the mission to increase ecosystem protection levels for the benefit of present and future generations while encouraging educational, recreational and scientific activities in the park. Covering an area of 1245 km² (480 sq. mi.) in the St. Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay Fjord, the marine park is recognized as one of the best places in the world to observe marine mammals. In addition, over 2200 plant and animal species have been observed within the park’s borders since its creation. Every year, visitors from all over the world visit the park’s shores and waters during excursions in sightseeing boats, sea kayaks or even their own vessels. The area surrounding the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park also boasts a rich maritime history.