In addition, DND and the CF have an arrangement with the RCMP to help detect, monitor, and report on aerial drug traffic entering Canadian airspace. An RCMP drug bust off the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, that made national headlines in the fall of 1996 is a good example of how we at DND and the CF contribute to drug-interdiction activities. Covert pursuit by the navy destroyer HMCS Terra Nova, surveillance by patrol planes out of CFB Greenwood, Nova Scotia, and the support of intelligence and operations staff at Maritime Forces Atlantic were key elements in the RCMP's seizure of close to 10 tonnes of hashish. In another drug case east of Val d'Or, Quebec, our support was instrumental in helping the RCMP apprehend a group that was smuggling cocaine. We provided personnel, helicopters, and airplanes.
Fish are one of Canada's most important natural resources.
Canada's exclusive economic zone stretches out 200 nautical miles from one of the longest coastlines in the world. DND and the CF play an important role in protecting Canada's valuable fishing resources. Fisheries patrols maintain a military presence around Canada's fishing grounds to demonstrate the Government's commitment to regulating activity. The navy provides 155 ship days each year for fisheries patrols, while the air force provides 1,116 aircraft hours for air surveillance of Canada's fisheries.