Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I would like to thank all of our presenters here today for providing their input.
I'll start with a few questions to the panel. I think I will just read the three questions that I have, and then anyone on the panel could respond.
First, I often hear a common concern from the aquaculture industry, which is that they are strictly or highly regulated. I'm wondering if you could comment on this by comparing this industry and its regulations to other industries and their regulations--forestry or agriculture, for instance, or any other one you wish to compare it to.
Second, do you feel that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is currently operating under the precautionary principle in terms of aquaculture?
Finally, it's my understanding that a number of environmental non-governmental organizations have been calling for the removal of salmon farms from the so-called Wild Salmon Narrows. Could any of you can comment on this issue? Could you tell us whether you support this measure, and why or why not?