Mingan Island Cetacean Study (MICS) is a non-profit research organization dedicated to ecological studies of marine mammals. Founded in 1979 by Richard Sears, MICS was the first organization to carry out extensive long-term research of cetaceans in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The principal study area is along the Québec North Shore in the Mingan Island/Anticosti region. MICS is best known for being the first organization to carry out long-term studies of the endangered blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus).

In 1983, MICS expanded its research efforts to the Sea of Cortez, Baja California ( Mexico). More recently we have been carrying out fieldwork off Iceland and the Azores. We have also participated in research on whales and other marine mammals off New Zealand, New Caledonia, South Georgia (South Atlantic), Panama, Costa Rica, Greenland, and in the Gulf of Maine.

In order to fund our research, MICS invites the public to participate in ecological studies of marine mammals. Each year, MICS offers research sessions to the public from June to October in the St. Lawrence and during February/March in the Sea of Cortez. The purpose of these sessions is to help finance our research and to educate the public on marine mammal ecology while observing these animals in their natural habitat. Our aim is not to offer just another whale-watch; we want you to have the opportunity to take part in and contribute to our research!