The PC MHA who represents the Conception Harbour area wants the federal government to begin cleaning up three sunken whaling vessels. Harbour Main MHA Helen Conway says they’re leaking oil and contaminating the waters of Conception Bay, the fish and the infrastructure.

The federal government gave money for the cleanup of the Manolis L., and Conway-Ottenheimer says they should do the same for the Conception Harbour wrecks.

She says they have to be aware of the situation because the Canadian Coast Guard deployed a containment boom, which failed, and DFO posted a notice telling people not to consume shellfish from the waters.

She adds that people are concerned about the impact on their health, the local marine ecosystem and the economy, as the contamination has worsened in recent weeks.