Notice of Public Interest – Spring Icebreaking on the Saguenay River

March 10, 2009

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QUÉBEC CITY – The Canadian Coast Guard wishes to notify residents and visitors along the Saguenay Fjord that the CCGS Des Groseilliers will begin spring icebreaking operations on Monday, March 16, 2009.

Therefore, ice-fishing cabins and any other equipment on the ice located between Anse Saint-Jean and Saint-Basile-de-Tableau and between Saint-Basile-de-Tableau, La Baie and Saint-Fulgence must be removed before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 15.

The Canadian Coast Guard strongly recommends that pedestrians, fishers and snowmobilers leave the ice when they see the icebreaker in the vicinity. The ice may move and this may create a real danger for anyone in the area of the Canadian Coast Guard vessel.

The purpose of this annual operation is to break-up the ice in the Saguenay and at the entrances of the tributaries in order to prevent ice jams and flooding that can result from the spring thaw.

Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers have a red hull with a transverse white band and a white funnel bearing a maple leaf.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information: Nathalie Letendre Communications Advisor Fisheries and Oceans Canada Quebec Region 418-649-6297

NR-QR-09-08A