THE Canadian government has ordered that vessels 20 metres long or more to temporarily reduce their speed to a maximum of 10 knots when travelling in the western Gulf of St Lawrence from the Quebec north shore to just north of Prince Edward Island, to prevent further deaths of endangered whales in the area. The move takes immediate effect.
If they fail to do so, they face a fine of US$19,600.
Canadian Minister of Transport Marc Garneau and Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Dominic LeBlanc said in a statement that North Atlantic right whales have been increasingly present in the Gulf of St Lawrence in recent years. They described the recent deaths of several North Atlantic right whales in the gulf as being "extremely concerning".
"Our government has already taken action and will continue to ensure that measures are in place for the protection of this species and the safety of mariners using these waters," said the joint ministerial statement.
"Transport Canada inspectors, with assistance from the Canadian Coast Guard's Marine Communications and Traffic Services, will enforce this measure until the whales have migrated from the areas of concern," the statement continued.