Minister of Fisheries and Oceans is determined to find out what is happening to the North Atlantic Right Whale.
Dominic LeBlanc says its been a difficult time for the community of the Bay of Fundy, with the recent loss of Joe Howlett, who passed away during a whale rescue. “The tregedy of what happened to Joe Howlett off the shore of Shippagan has affected the community, the Bay of Fundy fishing industry, and the hundreds and hundreds of friends that Mr. Howlett and his family have.”
LeBlanc says after speaking with the Prime Minister about the tragedy, this event reminded them both of the importance to really understand, from a scientific perspective, what is happening to these whales.
“Why are they (North Atlantic right whales) showing up in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in numbers that previously haven’t been seen. Hopefully we can work together, as many people have been for a long time, to prevent more of these endangered species, these majestic animals from dying.”
He also points to what the government and industry can do collectively, to make sure the coming season doesn’t offer the same challenges, and prevent and limit the chance of tragedy.
Joe Howlett, 59, from Campobello Island, had notable experience in whale rescues and formed the Campobello Whale Rescue organization.
As of late, there have been eight dead North Atlantic right whales found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
