Transport Canada fined the small cruise ship Pearl Mist US$6,000 for sailing too fast in Gulf of St Lawrence.
The Pearl Mist ship allegedly violated the 10-knot speed limit of the federal government that was put in place early August to prevent further deaths of North Atlantic right whales.
11 whales, of estimated 500 left, have been confirmed dead in Gulf of St Lawrence this summer.
Dominic LeBlanc, Fisheries Minister, promised the government would do what it takes to protect North Atlantic right whales. In addition to being struck by liners this summer, whales have become entangled in fishing gear.
The federal government has already fined 2 other ships for travelling above speed limit. An owner of a ship has 30 days to challenge the amount of the fine or the findings.
The speed restriction applies to ships 20 metres or longer and sailing in western Gulf of St Lawrence, between Quebec north shore and north of Prince Edward Island.
Fines (determined on case-by-case basis) range from a minimum of US$6,000 to a maximum of US$25,000.