Georges Bank remains off limits under proposed U.S. legislation

Although Americans may be partially opening up their coastal waters to offshore petroleum exploration, their portion of Georges Bank will remain off limits.

Proposed legislation that would allow offshore exploration and development 50 miles and out from the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines was passed by the U.S. House of representatives last Tuesday night.

Under the proposed legislation, drilling or other activities would be prohibited in any national marine monument, national marine sanctuary as well as Georges Bank. The bill must pass the U.S. Senate before becoming law.

The move to continue protecting Georges Bank is being applauded by Shelburne County MLA Sterling Belliveau.

“The United States realizes that the valuable fishing grounds around Georges Bank needs to be protected today and in the future and took a positive step in its protection of the area,” said Belliveau. “In Nova Scotia, the Minister of Energy has to stop flirting with the idea of drilling on Georges Bank and commit to protecting it.”

Belliveau, who is the NDP Fisheries Critic, said the point about Georges Bank is not whether fishermen and oil rigs can co-exist. Fishermen and the oil industry have worked together for years on the Scotian Shelf and in Country Harbour.

“The point about Georges Bank is whether its rich marine life that supports our fishery can co-exist with air guns and well drilling,” says Belliveau. “The unusual geography and marine life of Georges Bank makes for one of the richest fishing grounds in the world and therefore should be protected.”

A federal-provincial moratorium on Georges Bank is in place until December 31, 2012. Between now and then a decision will be made whether or not to lift the moratorium or extend it.