Thank you, Mr. Chair.
And again, welcome to the minister and officials to the committee. We certainly all appreciate your being here to address the concerns of the committee and the community, which is very much engaged in our oceans and fisheries issues.
I am glad personally, Minister, to hear that we're investing more money in science. There is a desperate need in that area, and I understand there is about a $15.5 million increase in investment in that area, and there is an increased investment in habitat and enforcement, which we feel is extremely important.
I personally like to see the habitat improvements that we've had in our area. Some salmon enhancement programs we've been having have been very good in improving returns to local rivers and streams, so we appreciate the participation of DFO in those projects.
And also the investment in small craft harbours is appreciated, because we certainly have big needs in that area after 30 years of infrastructure being let go.
In the science area, a question that has come up recently involves marine protected areas. I and someone from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society who was visiting the Hill recently had a meeting in my office with a Dr. Manfred Krautter concerning a rather interesting discovery of a type of glass sponge that is unique to the west coast of Vancouver Island and the coast of British Columbia. I wonder, in the discussions about marine protected areas, is the department looking at the glass sponges and the uniqueness to the coastal area and how that might impact our programs regarding both the fishing activities and the marine protected areas that are under discussion?