OTTAWA – The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans today announced that the investigation into recent anti-sealing actions by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society vessel Farley Mowat has resulted in charges being laid against the vessel's Captain, Alexander Cornelissen, and First Officer, Peter Hammarstedt.
"The seal hunt is a humane, sustainable, and legal activity, and our government is committed to protecting the safety and security of sealers," said Minister Hearn. "This guides our decisions on the ground and Canadians can rest assured that we will pursue the charges against these individuals vigorously."
An investigation of information and complaints from the captains of sealing vessels has led to both men being charged with contraventions of the Marine Mammal Regulations (MMR). The violation is identified as follows:
- MMR – Subsection 33 (1): Subject to subsection (2), no person shall, except under the authority of a seal fishery observation licence issued by the Minister, approach within one-half nautical mile of a person who is fishing for seals.
A second charge under the Fisheries Act has also been laid against Captain Cornelissen. That charge is as follows:
- Fisheries Act – Section 62: No person shall obstruct or hinder a Fishery Officer, a fishery guardian or an inspector who is carrying out duties or functions under this Act.
These charges have been brought forward in the province of Nova Scotia, which is the appropriate jurisdiction in relation to the alleged offences.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Phil Jenkins
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537
Joshua Zanin
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-266-5293
