Canada takes action to protect its Arctic waters
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Canadian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister responsible for the Canadian Coast Guard Gail Shea and Senator Claude Carignan announced on Tuesday a key measure aimed to protect and defend Canada's Arctic waters.
Beginning July 1, the government of Canada is requiring that foreign and domestic vessels of a certain size report to the Canadian Coast Guard information, such as identity, position and destination, if traveling through the waters.
"With mandatory reporting, the Canadian Coast Guard will be able to promote the safe navigation of vessels, keep watch on vessels carrying pollutants, fuel oil and dangerous goods, and respond quickly in the event of an accident," said Shea.
This announcement follows new legislation passed in June 2009 that expanded the area within Arctic waters over which the government could enforce important Canadian pollution regulations, from 100 nautical miles from shore to 200 nautical miles.
Vessels of a certain size will be required to submit reports in three stages: a pre-arrival information report prior to entering the Northern Canada Vessel Traffic Services (NORDREG) Zone, while navigating within the NORDREG Zone, and upon exiting the NORDREG Zone.
Vessels affected include those of 300 gross tonnages or more, those towing or pushing a vessel if the combined gross tonnage of the vessels is 500 gross tonnages, those carrying a pollutant or dangerous goods as cargo, or those towing or pushing a vessel carrying a pollutant or dangerous goods as cargo.
"The announcement complements the Government of Canada's Northern Strategy, focused on strengthening Canada's Arctic sovereignty, protecting the fragile northern environment, and promoting economic and social development while giving northerners more control over their economic and political destiny," a news release from the Ministry of Transport said.
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