November 15, 2018 Ottawa, Ontario Transport Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the marine environment, including marine mammals, and ensuring navigational safety for mariners, fishers, recreational boaters and all users of Canada's oceans and waterways.

Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, lifted the mandatory speed restriction for vessels in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to ensure ships can operate safely in winter months. We thank the many vessel operators and captains who complied with the mandatory speed restriction this season. Transport Canada is not aware of any North Atlantic right whale deaths from vessel strikes this year and will ask vessels to voluntarily slow down should a whale be spotted in or near the shipping lanes.

On April 28, 2018, Transport Canada implemented a speed restriction for vessels 20 metres or more to a maximum of 10 knots in the western Gulf of St. Lawrence. Ships were allowed to travel at normal speeds in parts of two shipping lanes north and south of Anticosti Island if no whales were spotted in the area.

This year, the Government of Canada also tested new drone technology for marine mammal surveillance and protection. In August 2018, experts from Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Iqaluit-based Arctic UAV and the University of Alaska Fairbanks conducted a three-week drone mission out of Gaspé, Quebec. The trial results will help the Government of Canada find new ways to locate and track North Atlantic right whales and to better protect them from ships and fishing gear. The Government of Canada continues to work with the industry to strengthen surveillance technology for seasons to come.

A world-leading marine system requires strong environmental protection for Canada's coastal habitats, ecosystems and marine species, including whales. The Government of Canada continues to work with partners, scientific experts, industry, environmental groups, and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to determine a comprehensive approach to ensure these marine mammals are protected.

Building on the $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is protecting and supporting the recovery of endangered, iconic whale populations across Canada through a five-year $167.4 million Whales Initiative. This initiative will protect and support the recovery of the Southern Resident Killer Whale, the North Atlantic right whale, and the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga through comprehensive actions tailored to address the unique combinations of threats that each of these populations face.

On October 31, 2018, the Government of Canada announced an additional $61.5 million to implement new measures focused on broadening and strengthening protection for the Southern Resident Killer Whales. Protecting species at risk is a responsibility shared by all Canadians and the federal government is committed to continued partnership with Indigenous people, provincial and territorial governments, and relevant industry stakeholders.