Canada controls a 200 mile economic zone around it's coast. Every vessel, domestic and foreign is required to accept a fisheries observer on board. Fisheries observers will remain at sea for up to many months. At the end of a tour, observers submit a report on the fishing practices observed to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The information is considered commercially sensitive and is protected by the federal Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

The latest observers reports available are about three-years-old. These have shown frequent violations of accepted fishing practices, including attempts to bribe fisheries observers, claims Canadian M.P. George Baker.

Unfortunately, the Grand Banks extends far beyond the 200 mile economic zone. On the nose and tail of the the Grand Banks and on the Flemish Cap foreign fishing vessels continue to rape the ocean bottom. Despite being in the sixth year of a moratorium, scientists cannot find any encouraging signs of recovery.
 

The Japanese flag flutters over St. John's harbour, Newfoundland.  Photo by J. Crummey. December 1999.

Japanese sailors load supplies in St. John's harbour.  Photo by J. Crummey. 1998.

 
 

TERRA NOVA GREENS

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