By Jite Eriabie
Transport Canada has issued another CAD 6,000 penalty to the Canadian Coast Guard ship Sir William Alexander for an alleged non-compliance with the temporary mandatory slow down aimed at preventing whale deaths.
The vessel owner has 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 said in a statement.
Earlier, two vessels were fined for violating speed limit. The vessels in question are Petalon and Seven Seas Navigator and their owners are obliged to pay CAD 6,000 penalties.
In August, the Canadian government implemented the measure to help ensure navigational safety and protect the marine environment due to the increased presence of whales in the area. The slow down of vessels 20 metres or more to a maximum of 10 knots 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 said it is determined to have the temporary mandatory slow down respected by all vessels in the designated area of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
“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,” Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, commented.
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