OTTAWA,
ON, May 23, 2024 /CNW/ - Following the
sighting of a North Atlantic right whale in shallow waters off the
northeast coast of New Brunswick
last week, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) instituted a 15-day
temporary fishing area closure in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 23 C.
This decision was based on DFO's sighting data at the time, and in
consideration of our international commitments towards marine
mammal protection, which are in place to ensure Canada's world-class seafood products continue
to be recognized as sustainable and export markets remain
available.
Since the initial sighting, DFO has reviewed various data
sources to determine the whale was in slightly deeper waters than
previously thought. With this new information, I am pleased to see
DFO has adjusted the closure requirements and harvesters can now
set their traps up to the 10 fathom shallow water protocol
management line for the remainder of the 15-day period.
Additionally, today I had the opportunity to meet with members
of the lobster fishing industry in the Gulf region, including
leadership from the Maritime Fisherman's Union. We had a productive
discussion about how to address the pressing threat facing the
endangered North Atlantic right whales, while accounting for the
very real impacts on our lobster harvesters and the communities in
which they reside.
I have asked DFO to convene a meeting of the Technical Advisory
Committee on North Atlantic Right Whales which includes
representatives of the industry and whale experts to review the
existing protocol. It is crucial that we achieve the right balance
in protecting these whales and while minimizing the impact on the
fishing industry wherever possible.
Finally, I want to acknowledge how difficult the past week has
been on harvesters. You are critical partners in our efforts to
protect this important species, while carrying the enormous burden
of balancing that responsibility and still maintaining your
livelihood. I am committed to continuing to work together on the
best way to achieve that.
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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada