Transport Canada announced that it has issued a penalty of $6,000 to the vessel Mississauga Express for alleged non-compliance while a temporary mandatory speed restriction was in effect.
The vessel owner has 30 days to pay the penalty or ask the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada to review the facts of the violation or the amount of the penalty.
The temporary mandatory slowdown was implemented in August for vessels 20 metres or more to a maximum of 10 knots, due to the increased presence of whales in the western Gulf of St. Lawrence, between the Quebec north shore and just north of Prince Edward Island, and as a response to the death of 12 right whales during the summer of 2017, some of which were determined to be as a result of ship strikes.
However, recently Canada lifted the mandatory slowdown in order to ensure ships can maintain manoeuverability in winter conditions and “for the safety of those operating in Canadian waters”.
Albeit this development, Transport Canada informed that it will continue to investigate all reported cases of non-compliance while the speed restriction was in effect.
The Government of Canada is also working with the maritime industry, science experts, and US partners to monitor the situation and find more permanent solutions.
“Transport Canada will not hesitate to impose the speed restriction again if the whales migrate back to the area,” Transport Canada informed.
