OTTAWA, Oct. 17, 2017 /CNW/ - On August 11, 2017, Transport Canada took action to help ensure navigational safety and to protect the marine environment, due to the increased presence of whales in the area, by implementing a temporary mandatory slowdown of vessels 20 metres or more to a maximum of 10 knots. The speed restriction applies to vessels travelling in the western Gulf of St. Lawrence, between the Quebec north shore and just north of Prince Edward Island.
While the shipping industry in general has been proactive in respecting the speed limits, the Government of Canada is determined to have the temporary mandatory slowdown respected by all vessels in the designated area of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
To that effect, Transport Canada issued $6,000 penalties to the vessels Crown Princess and MV EM KEA for alleged non-compliance with the temporary mandatory slowdown. The vessel owners have 30 days to pay the penalty or to ask the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada to review the facts of the violation or the amount of the penalty.
Transport Canada is examining all reported cases of non-compliance, on a case-by-case basis.
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"Our government is determined to promote the safe coexistence of ship traffic and the marine environment in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. We are committed to ensuring that all vessels meet the temporary speed limit and we will continue to take all appropriate action to ensure the safety of the whales."
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
Associated Links
- Notices to Shipping / Right whale deaths in Gulf of St. Lawrence: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/environmental-environnement/narightwhale-baleinenoirean/index-eng.html
- News Release: Transport Canada issues Gulf of St. Lawrence speed restriction fine
- Administrative Enforcement Action Summaries : https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/rsqa-cea-aeas-2017-4562.html
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SOURCE Transport Canada
For further information: Delphine Denis, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700, delphine.denis@tc.gc.ca; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055, media@tc.gc.ca
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