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Halifax – The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Honourable David Pratt, Minister of Defence, met in Halifax today to announce enhanced collaboration and information sharing between the two departments in the areas of marine security and fisheries enforcement.
The two Ministers took part in demonstrations highlighting how new technologies are being introduced by the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and the Department of National Defence (DND). Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and DND are enhancing their information exchange from aerial surveillance and Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) to improve their strategic deployment of at-sea patrols. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) will enhance Canada’s ability to track vessels entering and operating in Canadian waters. Through the increased sharing of this valuable and accurate data, the two Departments will be better able to use their vessels and aircraft to respond to marine security and fisheries priorities.
As well, the Ministers announced that they plan to enhance the fisheries patrol presence on the Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks. Specifically, Ministers Regan and Pratt announced that their departments are working aggressively on a strategy that would ensure a continual fisheries patrol presence on the Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks in the near future. DND has confirmed that it is looking at increasing its commitment of sea days in support of DFO. As well, the two Departments have committed to additional patrol presence when the situation demands. Final details on this initiative are still being worked out.
"I was very pleased to see concrete examples of how our two departments are working so closely together, using the latest in technologies, to increase the security and safety of Canadians along our coastlines and waterways," said Minister Regan. "This accurate information sharing on increased or suspicious vessel traffic means the two departments can more effectively target their fisheries and security patrols to where they are needed most."
"Each organization is building on its own skills, assets and mandate to provide vital information to the other, each in the pursuit of enhanced marine security in Canada," said Minister Pratt. "In addition, I am also pleased that my Department can provide support for important initiatives such as fisheries patrols."
While touring the joint Regional Operations Centre and Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Minister Regan discussed how new initiatives are assisting the Coast Guard and the Canadian Forces in more effective security and fisheries patrols. The Canadian Coast Guard’s Automatic Identification System and Long-range Vessel Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system – projects that will cost approximately $27 million were highlighted. This information will be transferred automatically to federal security departments and agencies such as DND on a real-time basis.
The project was part of a five-year package of initiatives of up to $172.5 million announced by the Government of Canada in 2003 to enhance the security of Canada’s marine transportation system and maritime borders. Since the announcement, an AIS project team has been established and its members have implemented test sites in specific locations in Canada. Information from these test sites is already being used by DND.
The CCG, through its Marine Communications and Traffic Services centres, is already routinely providing some vessel identification and position information to DND for marine security purposes. In addition, DFO provides critical information to DND that it gathers from its marine and air surveillance of fishing vessels off Canadian shores.
As well as collaborating on the marine security front, DFO and DND work side by side on a daily basis as part of the Federal Search and Rescue Program, one of the best in the world.
More information on Fisheries and Oceans Canada can be found at
www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca and on the Department of National Defence at
www.forces.gc.ca.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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Sophie Galarneau
Manager, Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 998-1530 |
Brian Underhill
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-3474 |
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NR-HQ-04-15E |
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