Canada Fines Ship on Whale Safety

Transport Canada has issued a $6,000 fine to a vessel that allegedly breached mandatory speed limits introduced by the federal government in parts of the Gulf of St. Lawrence to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales, Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced.

Endangered whales such as the majestic North Atlantic right whale deserve to swim danger-free in Canadian waters. That is why the Government of Canada has introduced several measures to address risks they face by marine shipping and fishing activity.

One of the implemented measures includes speed restrictions in certain zones in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and when a vessel contravenes the restriction, the Government of Canada takes swift action.

To that end, today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced that the department is fining a vessel for alleged non-compliance of a temporary mandatory speed restriction. The vessel will be issued a $6000 fine.

The Marc Garneau Minister of Transport said: "The recent deaths of several North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence are extremely concerning. Our government is determined to take all action necessary to promote the safe coexistence of marine mammals and ship traffic in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. We continue to work with the maritime industry, science experts, and our United States partners to monitor the situation and address any risks faced by the North Atlantic right whale."