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On Feb. 20, Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced the arrival of two new 44-foot vessels to replace the aging small vessel fleet.

Built by Samson Enterprises Ltd. of Isle Madame, the vessels were awarded through a $5.4 million contract following an open, transparent, and fair process, according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). Fishery officers provided input into the design and specifications to ensure the vessels met the department's specific needs.

The DFO stated that these vessels will enhance fishery officers’ ability to monitor compliance with the Fisheries Act, retrieve abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, and observe endangered whales and other species of concern. Designed for operation in adverse weather, they will also improve officer safety.

The 44-foot length was selected for its stability and gear-hauling capability, offering three metres more storage space than the average detachment vessel. This additional space allows for the secure accommodation of seized and retrieved gear while maintaining stability in rough conditions.

One vessel will be stationed in Yarmouth, while the other will have a shared home port between Pictou and Chéticamp. These vessels are the final two of four built to replace aging patrol vessels that are no longer in service. Funding was provided through the Small Craft Acquisition Program.

To learn more, Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot spoke with Noel d’Entremont, Director of Conservation and Protection for the DFO’s Maritimes Region. d’Entremont described the vessels and highlighted improvements over the older fleet, emphasizing that Samson Enterprises successfully built vessels that fully meet their needs.

Debbie Buott-Matheson, Manager of Strategic Communications with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maritimes Region, confirmed that the procurement process was open and competitive. A tender notice was posted on Canadabuys.gc.ca on Nov. 10, 2022, and closed on Dec. 5, 2022. She noted that the estimated cost per vessel is $1.02 million, funded through the Small Craft Acquisition Program (SCAP), which aims to replace the aging small craft fleet within the DFO and Canadian Coast Guard over the next 25 years.

Cape Breton-Canso MP Mike Kelloway, who also serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, expressed pride in seeing a local firm selected for such an essential project.