Coastal Shipping and former ship's master fined $115,000 for environmental violation

Coastal Shipping Limited and Former Ship’s Master Fined $115,000 for Violations Relating to a Fuel Spill into Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSEBAY, NL - January 17, 2013 - Coastal Shipping Limited and Bradley Doyle, former Ship’s Master of the vessel Mokami, have been fined a total of $115,000 after pleading guilty to violations under the federal Fisheries Act. The company was fined $100,000, and Doyle $15,000. The court is directing half of the total fines, or $57,500, to the Environmental Damages Fund.

These violations are the result of the September 2009 release of approximately 70 litres of diesel fuel from the vessel Mokami into the waters of Williams Harbour, Labrador. The spill occurred while fuel was being transferred from the ship to storage tanks in the community. The company and ship’s master pleaded guilty to failing to properly clean up the spill or mitigate damage, and to failing to report it to authorities.

Williams Harbour, known locally as Tabby’s Harbour, is located within the environmentally-sensitive Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area. Gilbert Bay provides important habitat for a variety of fish species, including the unique Gilbert Bay Atlantic Cod population.

The Environmental Damages Fund is administered by Environment Canada. It provides a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit our natural environment.

To learn more about the Environmental Damages Fund.

For more information, please contact:

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008