Cruise the Saint Lawrence (CSL) association supports the measure requiring ships operating in Gulf of Saint Lawrence to reduce speed in an effort to preserve North Atlantic right whales.
The measure is set to impact international cruise industry results across greater Canada New England region in 2017. To date, a total of 16 cancellations have been confirmed for 3 Saint Lawrence ports of call, of which the one most seriously affected is Gaspe.
In preparation for upcoming cruise season, Cruise the Saint Lawrence (CSL) is taking an active part in discussions engaged with government authorities and industry partners in order to find solutions intended to reconcile tourism industry interests with species-specific protection measures.
A measure introduced in Alaska involves posting observers on the prow to spot marine mammals and modify the speed or course of a ship. In Quebec, the ROMM (Marine Mammal Observation Network), in cooperation with Green Alliance, could play key role in drawing up solutions along with marine industry players.
Similar whale observation program intended for the crew of passenger and merchant ships is already in place on Saint Lawrence.