In 2008, we were talking about 2,252 tons of landed lobster, or 5 million pounds. That represented a slight increase, but I think you know as well as I do that landing volumes have been pretty stable for many years. On the other hand, the price declined in 2008, compared to 2007. You also are aware that operating expenses are constantly on the rise.
I wanted to come back to the need to preserve the resource in order to continue to exploit it in the coming years. That is exactly what fishers have been doing in recent years, since the year 2000. There were significant conservation measures introduced which, I believe, represent a model for the industry. One area of effort involved increasing the minimum lobster size. There we reduced the number of traps as well as lobster size. Those measures have born fruit, since lobster size has since increased. Landings have also stabilized. So, at the present time, fishing does not seem to be hampering the ability to collect samples of the species in our environment. I think there is a need to acknowledge the efforts made by the Association des pêcheurs propriétaires des Îles-de-la-Madeleine, which has demonstrated leadership with its troops and members in order to secure and implement specific measures in cooperation with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
I also wanted to mention concerns in the community.
Should I wrap up?