Feb 16, 2018 - Islands Trust Welcomes Better Anchorage Management

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Bowen, Denman, Hornby,  Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis 
 
 
News Release 
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Toll Free via Enquiry BC in Vancouver 604.660.2421.  Elsewhere in BC 1.800.663.7867 
information@islandstrust.bc.ca     www.islandstrust.bc.ca 
 
February 16, 2018          2018-03-IT 
 
ISLANDS TRUST WELCOMES BETTER ANCHORAGE MANAGEMENT 
but disappointed industrial transfers in Plumper Sound to continue 
 
VICTORIA – After ten years of calling for better federal oversight of anchored freighters, the Islands Trust 
welcomes news that Transport Canada has implemented an interim protocol for the management of freighters 
anchoring in the Southern Gulf Islands.  
 
Transport Canada announced the protocol on February 16, 2018 and will implement it for an initial trial period 
of six months. The protocol is intended to evenly distribute vessels using south coast anchorages as much as 
possible, and reinforce the need for most freighters to use good practices and comply with legal requirements 
while at anchor. During the trial period, industrial transfers from ships to barges in Plumper Sound will be able 
to continue. 
 
“While there is a still a big conversation to be had about whether freighters should be anchoring in the Gulf 
Islands at all, we welcome this interim step towards improved management,” said Peter Luckham, Islands Trust 
Council Chair. “We hope that this protocol will provide welcome relief to both Gulf Island residents and the 
natural environment of the region which the Islands Trust is mandated to preserve and protect. However, we 
are very disappointed that on-water transfer of materials will be allowed to continue in Plumper Sound. This 
type of industrial activity is not appropriate within our region and should be done within the boundaries of a 
port.” 
 
For years, island residents have voiced concerns about freighters anchored in the Trust Area. The industrial 
levels of noise and light from freighters are incompatible with the rural character of the islands. Residents have 
also raised concerns about impacts of these vessels to the natural environment. The Islands Trust Council has 
dedicated significant resources to advocating on behalf of island communities and the environment for 
improvements in anchorage management and oil spill prevention and response.  
 
“The Islands Trust Council has asked Transport Canada for a moratorium on any new freighter anchorages. At 
our Trust Council meeting in December, we were pleased to learn that Transport Canada has suspended plans 
to create new anchorages in our region,” added Luckham. “I met with the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister 
of Transport, and Members of Parliament Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Elizabeth May and Sheila Malcolmson 
about this topic in Ottawa last week. I expressed that it is our hope that continued strong leadership by 
Transport Canada w

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