FORTUNE, N.L. — The installation of a submerged fiber optic cable is one step closer to becoming a reality.
An assessment by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) of a project by Alcatel Submarine Networks, to run a submerged fiber optic cable from Fortune to the French Islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon, has concluded that no serious harm to fish or fish habitat is expected in the area of the cable installation.
The cable will run from a sub-station located on Bayview Street in Fortune and follow the path of the ferry until it comes ashore in St. Pierre.
In an e-mail response to The Southern Gazette from DFO representative Stella Ruddock, she identified the criteria under which the project was considered.
DFO’s Fisheries Protection Program assesses projects to determine whether any of the work, activities, and/or undertakings associated with the project have the potential to cause “serious harm” for fish and/or fish habitat. Serious harm is defined under the Fisheries Act as the death of fish, a permanent alteration to fish habitat, and/or the destruction of fish habitat.
“An assessment of the proposed project concluded that no serious harm to fish or fish habitat is expected in the area of the cable installation,” according to the e-mail. “The proponent will complete project work outside of the seasonal fishery to avoid disrupting fishing activity.”
A timeline for running the cable has not yet been confirmed.
