Federal government announces emergency dredging at Naufrage Harbour in P.E.I.
Work to be completed in time for opening of lobster fishery
An emergency dredging project will allow fish harvesters in eastern PEI to load traps and safely prepare for the spring lobster fishery.
The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced this week that the federal government is undertaking emergency dredging of the entrance channel at Naufrage harbour in Kings County.
"Fish harvesters must have enough water in the channel to safely navigate," said Hearn. "That is why we're taking swift action to dredge at Naufrage to ensure the harbour is ready in time for the opening of the lobster season."
The entrance channel at Naufrage has infilled to the point that there is not sufficient water for vessels to navigate safely when empty, much less when loaded down with lobster traps. An area between the breakwaters will be dredged to ensure fish harvesters have adequate clearance at low tide. Work will start as soon as possible and will be complete before the May 1 opening of the lobster season.
This project will be implemented by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans as part of its Small Craft Harbours Program in cooperation with the Harbour Authority which manages and operates the facilities for local users. Close cooperation with clients allows the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of commercial fish harvesters.
