CHARLOTTETOWN - The Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the federal government will continue to spend $1.2 million to enhance the capacity of enforcement vessels in the Gulf region."Enforcement plays an important role in ensuring the sustainable use of Canada's fisheries resource," said Minister McGuire. "This funding will provide Fishery Officers with the vessels they need to perform enforcement duties for the benefit all resource users."The funding will be used to continue the operations of fishery patrol vessels in the region over the 2004 season, including the A.H. Chevarie in Alberton, Prince Edward Island. It will also be used to support a multi-tasking pilot project to test the effectiveness and ability of Search and Rescue (SAR) lifeboats to perform enforcement activities during directed patrols or while conducting training exercises on the water. The pilot project will use three new 47' SAR lifeboats located in Prince Edward Island (in Summerside and Souris) and in Shippagan, New Brunswick to detect and report fisheries violations to DFO for follow-up action. These vessels will also provide additional DFO presence on the water, which is an important part of the Department's deterrence efforts.This announcement follows a recent commitment made by Minister Regan to address important fisheries concerns, such as continued enforcement patrol vessels in the Southern Gulf, when visiting with provincial and industry officials in Prince Edward Island in January 2004. It also is consistent with DFO's intention to work more closely with the industry to develop long-term strategies, while building on collaborative arrangements used in the past. For example, the co-operative agreement between the Prince Edward Island Fisheries Association and DFO has made a very positive difference in our enforcement activities, and has helped to curb illegal lobster fishing, particularly in western PEI. Commercial fishers on the Island have also helped DFO locate and remove illegally-set lobster gear. "We are committed to continue working with the provinces and industry, to find solutions to industry challenges," said Minister Regan. "Through continued support for surveillance and enforcement, we are taking the necessary steps today to protect our fish and our industry for the future."
