On April 12, 2008 the Government of Canada took enforcement action against the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society vessel Farley Mowat for alleged violations of the Marine Mammal Regulations, which is an offence under the Fisheries Act.
The Farley Mowat was boarded in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Canadian waters by the RCMP who, along with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), were assisting Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in this operation.
At this time, the Farley Mowat is in Sydney, Nova Scotia where it will remain in DFO custody until an investigation, conducted by DFO officials, is completed. A search of the vessel will also be completed and an inventory of the vessel's contents will be recorded.
Upon completion of the DFO search, Transport Canada will also be inspecting the vessel for compliance from a safety perspective. If safety deficiencies are found, the vessel would be detained until the deficiencies are rectified.
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