North Atlantic right whale in the Cabot Strait near Sydney Bight

PLEASE BE AWARE I RECEIVED THIS NOTICED FROM DFO JUST THIS MORNING SEPT 13TH


CAUTION NOTICE - PRESENCE OF NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALES OUTSIDE AN AREA SUBJECT TO THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE PROTOCOL
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has confirmed the presence of at least one North Atlantic right whale in the Cabot Strait near Sydney Bight outside an area subject to the temporary closure protocol West of Cape Breton. Areas situated outside such areas are not subject to the temporary closure protocol.

DFO is asking licence holders to be vigilant during their fishing activities in the potential presence of North Atlantic right whales in their areas. When it is possible and safe to do so, DFO encourages licence holders to remove their fishing gear in areas where right whales are present and move to areas where whales have not been observed.

The Department reminds licence holders to not attempt to free by themselves any whale found entangled in fishing gear. However, all observed deceased whales or whales in distress must be reported as soon as possible to the Marine Mammal Emergencies network at 1-877-722-5346 and noted in the appropriate section of the logbook.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to ensuring the protection, conservation and recovery of the right whale, as well as an environmentally-friendly fishing industry.

For more information:
Regular updates and maps indicating sightings will be posted at the following address: http://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/mammals-mammiferes/narightwhale-baleinenoirean/alert-alerte/index-eng.html