Mr. Speaker, over the past few days Canadian inspectors working with national defence boarded two Portuguese vessels fishing outside the 200 mile limit. Both vessels were issued citations for misreporting an illegal bycatch.
The first vessel, the Santa Mafalda , has been ordered back to Portugal for an inspection that will include two Canadian inspectors. The second vessel, the Joanna Princesa , has been ordered to Halifax for inspection.
Both of these responses represent positive steps taken by the Portuguese government. They also demonstrate Canada's commitment to work with its NAFO partners to combat illegal fishing in international waters.