At present I believe that there is a strategy, comprised of a scientific component and a management component, that deals with the entire issue of grey seals. Therefore, I do not believe that there has been a refusal to look into the issue of grey seals.
On the other hand, when fishermen provide us with information, we usually sit down and look at how we are going to deal with the issues. You are right: in northern Newfoundland, there were recommendations and once again we worked very closely with fishermen. There were sentinel surveys, and the Stewardship Program. Conditions appear to have changed and we can adopt a positive attitude.
On the other hand, what is worrisome is when people say that current stocks are healthy and at good levels. Scientifically speaking, we would recommend the biomass to weigh in at approximately 85,000 tonnes and not approximately 36,000 tonnes, or 26,000 tonnes, as is currently the case. This is a bit dangerous.
During the first moratorium, we saw that researchers were heavily criticized for their scientific opinions. They are understandably determined to provide accurate opinions.