N.B. Liberal MP calls for loosened right whale protection measures to help fishermen

A North Atlantic right whale and a calf.

A northeast New Brunswick Liberal MP is joining the Maritime Fishermen’s Union in calling for a better balance between protecting endangered North Atlantic right whales and allowing commercial fishing operations.North Atlantic right whale sightings result in the closure of fishing zones for days at a time. Acadie-Bathurst MP Serge Cormier said that approach is 'disastrous' for the economy of New Brunswick coastal communities that rely on the fishing industry.

"I can no longer defend my government on this issue. I stand with the fishermen, the lobster and crab industry, the factory owners and workers, and the community members." Acadie-Bathurst MP Serge Cormier said he can no longer defend his government's measures to protect right whales, due to the effects on New Brunswick's fishing industry.

Fisheries and Oceans Minister Diane Lebouthillier said Canada has legal obligations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act that are necessary to maintain seafood exports to the U.S. Conservation groups believe there are between 350 and 360 left in the world, including fewer than 70 reproductively active females.

"If she is already gone, is it necessary to have draconian measures like what is proposed there? A total closure? We don't think so," he told Radio-Canada.

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