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ST. JOHN’S -- The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced a new $51 million, five-and-a-half year contract with Provincial Airlines Limited (PAL) to provide aerial surveillance of waters in and outside Canada’s 200-mile limit.
"I am pleased to announce the partnership with Provincial Airlines Limited (PAL). Our working relationship has been excellent and the Government of Canada is pleased to continue such a valuable partnership. This is a company based in Newfoundland and Labrador that is a world leader in aerial surveillance."
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is responsible for the monitoring, control and surveillance of Canada’s fisheries waters as well as certain international areas such as the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area. DFO’s air surveillance program provides the capability to monitor domestic and foreign vessel activities and detect violations. In addition, the program provides pollution surveillance and environmental monitoring.
The air surveillance program helps assert Canada’s sovereignty in waters close to international borders and provides a visible presence and deterrence for domestic and foreign fishing fleets as well as other commercial vessels. Under the program, vessels of interest and other events are located and observed, and their positions and activities are documented and photographed. Follow-up enforcement action is taken as required.
Under the new contract with PAL, approximately 4,800 hours will be flown annually, with about 2,000 hours dedicated specifically to the NAFO Regulatory Area (Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks and Flemish Cap).
This contract was awarded in keeping with the Government of Canada open bidding system.
The backgrounder related to this announcement is available on Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s website at
www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media_e.htm
Backgrounders:
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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Steve Outhouse
Manager, Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 998-1530 |
Geneviève Gareau-Lavoie
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-3474 |
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NR-HQ-04-20E |
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