I'd like to comment on the credibility or accuracy of the scientific data collected each year. I can tell you that the annual stock measurement is very accurate. Mr. Paradis alluded to the unique situation in the southern part of the gulf. Stock levels are sufficient to allow trawling and an annual count to be done. However, that is not the case in many areas. This is probably the only area on the Atlantic coast where this is possible. This vast area provides a very unique habitat.
Regarding stock measurement, we do a projection for the following year. In the case of two-year projections, the margin of error is greater, unlike one-year projections, where the margin of error is about 10%. Perhaps that is why people have the impression that scientific evaluations are not valid.
We conduct a yearly evaluation to ensure that we have a good estimate of the biomass for the following season. While many people were surprised by the 47% decline in stocks, this result was well within the 10% margin of error of our projection. It was in the lower range, which surprised people somewhat. Nonetheless, it was within the standard deviation or confidence interval, statistically speaking.