Queen’s University biology professor Peter Hodson says the federal government needs to reverse its cuts made to the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans or risk not being able to handle Exxon Valdez-type oil spills in the future.

Dr. Hodson feels the cuts to research related to chemical contamination and toxicity to aquatic species will have a negative impact on the future protection of fish, fisheries and human health. The cuts will destroy Canada’s ability to develop programs to mitigate and prevent chemical impacts on communities and economies.

“It is clear that fish do not vote. In the face of rapid urban, industrial and resource developments, the cuts represent a clear trade-off between economy and healthy fisheries, and all social, nutritional, economic and recreational benefits these fisheries generate. Unless these cuts are reversed, Canada will have no capacity to understand, predict and forestall future chemical crises affecting our fisheries,” says Dr. Hodson.

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