The Government of Canada has taken enforcement action against the Farley Mowat for alleged Fisheries Act violations off the west coast of Newfoundland.
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. The boarding was in relation to an alleged violation of the Marine Mammal Regulations on March 30, which is an alleged offence under the Fisheries Act.
The vessel has been seized by DFO and will be brought to port by the CCG. The crew of the Farley Mowat has been transferred to the CCG ship Des Groseilliers for transport into port.
While the Farley Mowat was warned repeatedly to exit and remain out of Canadian waters, it re-entered on April 10, 2008. The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Lawrence Canon, then issued a Ministerial Direction under provisions of the Marine Transportation Security Act which instructed the Farley Mowat to proceed immediately to the Port of Sydney, Nova Scotia. It did not comply.
The Farley Mowat will be kept in DFO custody until such time as the court orders the release of the vessel upon posting of reasonable security. The vessel will also be inspected by Transport Canada and law enforcement officials to ensure the vessel and crew pose no safety or security threat.
The Government of Canada continues to monitor and assist in ensuring the 2008 seal hunt unfolds safely and securely. Its priority is to ensure a lawful seal hunt, protecting the safety of participants, including hunters, permitted observers and law enforcement officers.
