The organizations works to protect the marine mammals of the St. Lawrence by planning and carrying out research, conservation, educational and awareness-raising projects throughout the territory it covers, which includes a significant portion of the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
MMON is essentially a network of observer members made up of whale-watching tour operators, conservation parks and shipping operators. They collect data on whale and seal sightings during their regular activities in season.
The goal of this vast environmental monitoring project is to better understand the geographic distribution and abundance of marine mammals in the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with particular attention to species at risk.
MMON implements initiatives based on the principle of integrated management of the St. Lawrence, in addition to encouraging and participating in local and regional consultation initiatives involving decision-makers, users and stakeholders concerned by the major issues of the St. Lawrence.