DFO announces infrastructure work at harbours

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans said $6.4 million will be spent in provincial harbours to provide safer, more modern facilities in support of local fishing enterprises. The projects, including dredging, wharf and harbour improvements, breakwater construction, and also planning and design for future work.

The projects are being undertaken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Small Craft Harbours Program, in collaboration with the harbour authorities that manage and operate the facilities for local users.

The projects were announced by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Minister Peter MacKay.

• Cape St. Marys - Dredging is planned, as infill over the years has made it difficult for fish harvesters to access and maneuver in the harbour. Channel and basin dredging will make harbour access and use safer and more efficient.

• Centreville - The access channel and basin will be dredged to give fish harvesters sufficient depth to enter and leave the harbour safely as well as operate more efficiently in the basin.

• Meteghan - A basin dredging project will take place this year to help provide sufficient water depth for vessels relying on the harbour. Also planned for Meteghan are repairs to the fendering system along the outside of the main wharf.