Security concerns in the Port of Saint John, New Brunswick, have resulted in the eviction of the port’s fishing boat fleet — an eviction that has been delayed for the time being.
Capt. John McCann, Saint John Harbor Master/Port Security Officer, said the lobster boat berths put the port out of security compliance by Transport Canada.
McCann said the federal agency told him, in effect, `You’ve done a good job on the front door, but the back door is wide open.’
Removing fishing boats is part of an ongoing process so that the port can meet federal security rules, McCann said, adding: “Guidelines set by Transport Canada can’t be met if small fishing vessels are docking alongside international vessels.”
But John McDade, Saint John lobster fisherman and informal spokesman for the lobster fleet, said the ruling has left fishermen with literally “no place to go” to tie up their boats. He said seven lobster boats are affected. Other boats fishing for gaspereau, a small fish in the region, bring the total to about 25, according to McDade.
The original deadline of Jan. 16 has been extended “indefinitely” said McDade.
“Basically, we’ve been given 60 days to come up with a solution, so we we’ve got a little breathing room,” McCann said. “What we’re dealing with here is a problem of access control.”
McDade said the eviction notice came without warning. But he added, “There’s been pressure, a real groundswell — from political officials, people and fishermen — [Liberal Member of Parliament] Paul Zed has been really helpful.”