Some New Brunswick fisherman have been stopped this week by U.S. border patrol agents looking for illegal immigrants.
It’s been happening in the grey zone which is an area of disputed waters between Machias Seal Island, Grand Manan and the State of Maine.
The boarding of the vessels may have been part of an exercise.
Provincial Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet tells us there should be some communication so people know what is taking place on the water.
“I think everything that has taken place was a surprise, they were ambushed by it,” Doucet says “When you are fishing and all of a sudden you see a boat speeding behind and they enter your boat, that is somewhat intimidating for sure.”
Doucet says his department is monitoring the situation along with the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the RCMP and Canada Border Services.
(photo by Marlene Knight courtesy of the Grand Manan Fisherman’s Association)
