Fishermen Convicted of Improperly Harvesting Seals
Duncan Sharpe of Gander, Kevin Blackler of St. John’s, and Richard Worthman of Heart’s Delight were convicted for improperly harvesting seals in accordance with humane harvesting requirements under the Canadian federal Fisheries Act. Sharpe and Blackler were convicted in Gander Provincial Court on October 21. They have each been fined $1,250 to be paid within six months and forfeited 11 Harp seals. The offences occurred on April 30 in the Twillingate area. Worthman was convicted in Harbor Grace Provincial Court on November 5. He has been fined $1,000 to be paid within six months, and forfeited a clubbing device and seal pelts valued at $154.25.
Canada Invests in Harbor Grace Project
Senator Fabian Manning, on behalf of the Honorable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing in a harbor improvement project at Harbor Grace, Newfoundland and Labrador. The project consists of the extension of a finger pier wharf to create a protected area for larger fishing vessels, to be completed over two years. This work will ensure that fishermen have additional safe berthing and offloading facilities. Construction is planned to start this fall and is expected to be completed by March 2016. Funding for this project is part of the Government of Canada’s investment of approximately $106 million in repair, construction, maintenance and dredging projects at small craft harbors across Canada.
Navy Secretary Names New Combat Logistics Ship
Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter announced on May 29 his decision to name the Navy's newest underway replenishment vessel, USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6). The name honors Amelia Mary Earhart for her courage, vision, and groundbreaking achievements, both in aviation and for women. Amelia Earhart's name became a household word in 1932 when she became the first woman -- and second person --to fly solo across the Atlantic, on the fifth anniversary of Charles Lindbergh's feat, flying a Lockheed Vega from Harbor Grace, Newfoundland to Londonderry, Ireland. That year, she received the Distinguished Flying Cross from the Congress, the Cross of Knight of the Legion of Honor from the French government, and the Gold Medal of the National Geographic Society from President Herbert Hoover.
