We as the industry in LFA 34 have worked with DFO over the years to create a sustainable lobster resource management system. The following is a snapshot of input controls our inshore lobster fishery management system uses.
The first thing is owner-operator. Next, we have a six-month season. We have a set trap limit. We have in use a standard trap size. It is mandatory to have escape hatches. We have a restriction on the overall length of our vessels. We have a mandatory minimum carapace size. It's mandatory that all berried females be returned, and numerous licence holders v-notch berried females voluntarily. This is supported by the majority of the lobster fishermen.
We would request this from you people, the parliamentary standing committee. We have differences of opinion on what is being presented by FRCC, so we would like to have a copy of the documentation sent to us of what is being presented by the FRCC to this committee, if it would be possible, so we would be able to raise some....