Temporary Speed Limit Imposed On Vessels In Gulf Of St. Lawrence To Protect North Atlantic Right Whales

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Transport Canada is putting a speed limit in place for ships in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to help protect the North Atlantic Right Whale.

Transport Minister Marc Garneau says the mandatory speed limit is effective immediately.

“We have sent a notice to shipping, ordering large vessels of 20 metres or more to slow down to a maximum speed of ten knots when travelling through the relevant area,” says Garneau.

Location of temporary speed limit zone of 10 knots for vessels 20 metres or larger to protect North Atlantic Right Whales. Mandatory and effective immediately.

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Aug 11, 2017 at 8:00am PDT

He says they are asking vessels smaller than 20 metres to voluntarily adhere to this speed limit of ten knots.

Garneau adds fines up to $25,000 are possible to ships that violate the speed limit and Transport Canada inspectors will be enforcing the new speed limit.

This temporary limit will remain in place until the right whales have migrated out of the area.

Learn more about the actions we are taking with our partners to protect the North Atlantic Right whale population https://t.co/iOfBiRvPFS

— Transport Canada (@Transport_gc) August 11, 2017