Fisheries committee  But how can you avoid it, when the propellor is in the mud?

Fisheries committee  Thank you very much. Mr. Fraser, you have indicated that you have a long-term lease, is it, or a program for the harbour authority that you have. I'd like you to expand on this. We heard that on the smaller projects, if it's $40,000 or under.... You know what I'm talking about.

Fisheries committee  It's more efficient too.

Fisheries committee  So if there is not a funding change, your wharves are going to become useless to you. You won't be able to get in to them, because we saw that this morning.

Fisheries committee  Just to enlighten us, they're continuing to dredge there all the time to continue the flow, is that right? They dredge there regularly?

Fisheries committee  We're putting a report together for government, and this is why we're here, to hear what you have to say. In the end, it's you people, and unfortunately you're not listened to enough; I know that on the east coast they're not, anyway, no matter what government it is. It seems to be, sometimes, that we don't hear your view enough, and it's a pleasure to be here to hear it.

Fisheries committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. You're very generous. Bob, I enjoyed the visit this morning. You're talking to members of Parliament and government, and it certainly doesn't hurt to repeat your points to that crowd; perhaps after a while they might get the message. And if you think you have a problem with repetition, we've been at this for a while, and I don't mind repetition at all, because the fact of the matter is that you have problems.

Fisheries committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Mr. Minister, I think you're aware of the shortage in funding for small craft harbours and the major problem with the invasive species in the blue mussel industry in Prince Edward Island. It's not specified in the main estimates what will take place with the $38 million in additional operating expenditures.

Fisheries committee  It's $38 million, Mr. Minister.

Fisheries committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Welcome, Minister and staff. It's good to have you here again. First, I'd like to congratulate you on the arrest of the Farley Mowat and the move you made there. It's appreciated. Now looking at saving the fish, I've asked you before about whether the Julianne III, a 5,000-horsepower vessel, a football field or so wide and a quarter of a mile long, will be allowed to fish herring in the gulf.

Fisheries committee  Well, a quick snap on invasive species. The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development audited the federal government a year ago and then did another assessment and indicated quite clearly in fact that there has not been enough done. We know the problem we have in Prince Edward Island, which is noted for the blue mussel.

Fisheries committee  This is not an ACOA problem; it's a fisheries problem. It's my understanding that it's getting worse instead of better.

Fisheries committee  Is there enough money involved?

Fisheries committee  Have you got enough money to do what needs to be done to save this very important industry?

Fisheries committee  Yes. You're doing well. I wish I could talk French as well.