WASHINGTON: Cruise the Saint Lawrence continues to urge the Canadian government to conduct an in-depth analysis of the right whale situation in the Gulf so a strategy can be implemented far ahead of the 2018 cruise season. The association, consisting of nine member ports, underscored its support for the 10-knot speed cap instituted in mid-August to protect the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale. However, this restriction—across a vast zone that stretches from Québec’s north shore to just north of Prince Edward Island—has caused considerable impact on the cruise industry across the greater Canada/New England region. To date, 16 cancellations have been confirmed for three St. Lawrence ports. The most seriously impacted is Gaspé. Other ports outside the St. Lawrence, such as Charlottetown, PEI, have been affected, too. Cruise the Saint Lawrence is calling for an in-depth analysis of the measure imposed by Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the end of this season in order to be ready to implement an intervention strategy for 2018 within a reasonable timeframe. ‘Most unfortunately, many cruise lines have been obligated to alter their itineraries to honor their scheduled date of arrival at final destination. They are the first to regret being forced to cut short or delete altogether certain calls and would appreciate more detailed information to be able to organize their itineraries in the best interests of guests and ports of call in the years ahead,’ said Tony Boemi, president of Cruise the Saint Lawrence.
That is why the association is taking an active part in ongoing discussions with government authorities and industry partners to find solutions that reconcile tourism industry economic interests with species-specific protection measures. ‘The presence of North Atlantic right whales is an indication of the rich habitat provided by the waters of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and it is a privilege for tourism industry players such as ourselves to share these waters with them,’ Boemi added. ‘We believe that the cruise industry can prosper and serve as a model of conservation if all players are consulted and involved.’ Cruise the Saint Lawrence cited the example of a simple but effective conservation measure that has been in place for years in Alaska’s Glacier Bay. A National Parks Service observer focused solely on spotting whales is posted on ships’ bows and alerts the bridge so course and/or speed can be modified. (Bridge personnel and pilots also watch for whales but have many other operational issues to monitor, too.) In Québec the Marine Mammal Observation Network, in cooperation with the Green Alliance, could play a key role in drawing up solutions together with marine industry players, Cruise the Saint Lawrence said. A similar whale observation training program intended for the crew of merchant and passengers ships is already in place on the Saint Lawrence.
