HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA–( EMWNews – April 6, 2008)

Editors Note: Two photos for this release will be available on the CP picture wire via eMediaWorld.

The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today recognized the Canadian Forces for their contributions towards effective fisheries enforcement in the North Atlantic. During a special ceremony onboard HMCS St. John’s, the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence, watched proudly as Minister Hearn presented the Canadian Forces (CF) with a commemorative plaque to honour their actions.

“The Government of Canada is committed to fighting illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing in the North Atlantic,” said Minister Hearn. “The cooperation and commitment shown by the crews and commanding officers of Canadian Forces vessels is much appreciated by our Canadian NAFO inspectors who work closely with them while on patrol.”

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Canadian Navy and Air Force have a long history of working together to conduct Canada’s offshore surveillance program. A good example of this cooperation is HMCS Fredericton, which was directly involved in two NAFO citations for serious infringements issued to the Spanish vessels Esperenza Menduina and Festeiro in 2006. On one occasion, the CF vessel was required to standby for several days awaiting the right opportunity to quickly approach the foreign vessel to conduct an inspection.

“I’m proud of the work the Canadian Forces have done to help fight illegal fishing activities,” said Minister MacKay. “The dedication and professionalism shown by our men and women in uniform in this regard has been exemplary and should be commended. With only one serious violation in 2007, the results of their efforts speak for themselves.”

Patrolling our oceans and conducting aerial surveillance to monitor the activity of fishing vessels beyond Canada’s 200-mile limit sends a clear message that overfishing on the high seas will not be tolerated in Canada. To increase our NAFO patrol capacity, the Canadian Forces commits sea days and aerial surveillance hours to our east coast operations, primarily within the NAFO Regulatory Area.

Canada continues to achieve custodial management over the NAFO regulatory area. Over the last three years there has been a steady decline in serious NAFO citations, which is due to the successful collaboration of the Canadian Forces and DFO to protect Canada’s sovereignty and fight overfishing.

For more information: www.overfishing.gc.ca

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca