NR-HQ-00-96E

DHALIWAL ANNOUNCES DFO PATROL BOATS IN THE   GULF REGION WILL REMAIN IN SERVICE

October 5, 2000

ottawa -- Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today confirmed that the fleet of vessels currently used in the Gulf of St.Lawrence, including the Coast Guard crewed patrol boats, will remain in service for the foreseeable future.

"My priority is to ensure the conservation and protection of Canada’s fisheries resources and the safety of its waters. In order to do that, I want to be satisfied that the resources we have in place are the right mix to effectively meet our operational objectives," Mr. Dhaliwal said. "Accordingly, we will review the vessel requirements in all areas of the Gulf, including our requirements for the mid-shore, before we make any final decisions."

In order to increase the cost-effectiveness of its enforcement program, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has in recent years reduced the number of Coast Guard crewed vessels and replaced them with smaller, faster patrol boats that are operated by Fishery Officers.

"Local fishermen have expressed concern over the possible removal of the remaining Coast Guard crewed vessels in the region. I would like to assure them that I will not remove these vessels until we have conducted further discussions and reviewed all options to ensure that program needs are being met," Mr. Dhaliwal added.

The Gulf Region has a fisheries patrol fleet of three larger Coast Guard crewed vessels and 22 smaller patrol boats. There are also additional crewed vessels in the Laurentian and Maritimes Regions, available for deployment in the Gulf as required.