Le Lézard
Classified in: Transportation
Subjects: POL, ANW, CFG

Government of Canada unveils 2020 North Atlantic right whale protection measures


OTTAWA, Feb. 27, 2020 /CNW/ - The endangered North Atlantic right whale is an iconic marine mammal, but with roughly 400 left in the world, the Government of Canada is doing its part to ensure its protection, conservation, and recovery.

Over the past several years, Canada has put in place comprehensive measures to help protect this species from interactions with fishing gear and vessels. Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, along with the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau, announced the enhanced 2020 measures that will help reduce the risks to North Atlantic right whales during the 2020 season from April to November.

To help prevent entanglements with fishing gear, Fisheries and Oceans Canada:

This year, the Department is also authorizing ropeless fishing gear trials in closed areas.

To help prevent whale collisions with vessels, Transport Canada will:

All measures apply to vessels longer than 13 metres.

Minister Jordan also announced that a contract is now in place with a third party icebreaker to open local harbours for spring fishing activities in northern New Brunswick. G X Technology Canada was awarded a contract worth $596,736 following a tendering process to provide icebreaking services in the Acadian Peninsula, Baie des Chaleurs and Northumberland Strait. This will ensure the snow crab fishery in the region can start as early as possible, when safe to do so, before the whales' arrival in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. 

North Atlantic right whales are unpredictable in Canadian waters. We need to continue using a wide-variety of tools and adapt quickly to their changing behaviour. Effectively protecting and recovering the North Atlantic right whale requires a long-term approach with active collaboration of multiple partners and stakeholders. Consultation with the science community, fishing and marine industries, Indigenous peoples, and non-governmental environmental organizations has been necessary and invaluable. Their experience and expertise has informed the development of the Government's measures.

Quotes

"The North Atlantic right whale is endangered, but together we are working to change that. Since 2017, our government has introduced new measures to protect this species, and we are proud of the progress we have made in implementing them. These new measures build on that work, and are informed by the latest research and technology. We recognize that they are only possible because of the hard work and cooperation of our fish harvesters who have been changing their operations to support our shared goal of protecting this beautiful animal for generations to come." 

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan  
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"Our Government remains steadfast in our commitment to protect the marine environment, and to reduce the risks to navigational safety. For the past several years, the Government of Canada has been working with Canadians and Indigenous peoples through the Oceans Protection Plan to protect our coasts and waterways, while growing the economy. The North Atlantic right whale can directly benefit from our enhanced protection measures, and we are appreciative of all industries' active participation in their development and with their compliance."

The Honourable Marc Garneau   
Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

Related Products:

Associated Links

Stay Connected

SOURCE Transport Canada


These press releases may also interest you

at 12:15
The "Global Armored Vehicles Market - 2024 - Predictive Market Outlook for 2024 - Key Trends, Strategic Insights, Growth Opportunities & Market Outlook" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Aerospace & Defense...

at 11:50
PenFed Credit Union, America's second-largest federal credit union, today announced it joined with the Porsche Carrera Cup North America to become the presenting partner of the final two races in the 2024 championship. PenFed will join the...

at 11:39
Automotive Aftercare Franchise Launches Partnership with Born In Detroit & Mission 22, Unveils Museum Exhibit    Ziebart announces a partnership with Born In Detroit Apparel, LLC, with a specially-branded clothing line available for purchase and all...

at 11:34
The narrow front and rear lights, which were developed by ZKW in Wieselburg, are very unusual. At the front, the dark, high-resolution LED headlamps blend harmoniously into the front of the BMW XM. At the rear of the powerful SUV, BMW relies on...

at 11:05
Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines today announced that it will expand its U.S. presence with the launch of nonstop flights from Seattle to Taipei, starting August 16, and reservations are now open for booking. This strategic new route...

at 11:00
Nova Bus, member of the Volvo Group and a leading North American transit bus manufacturer, is proud to announce the appointment of Paul Le Houillier as its new President, effective June 1st, 2024. With extensive business and leadership experience...



News published on and distributed by: