We will call the meeting to order.
This morning I'd like to welcome Mr. Swerdfager, director general of fisheries and aquaculture management from DFO.
Mr. Sprout was supposed to be here with us today. I remember the request was made, but he is unable to be here today. He has left open the option of appearing before the committee on another date. We can possibly discuss that under committee business in the last ten minutes of the meeting today if that's acceptable to all members.
Mr. Swerdfager, we allow witnesses to have about a ten-minute presentation if you wish, and then we will proceed to questioning from members. Members are constrained by time limits, and you may end up hearing a little beeping noise when the time has expired for a certain party's line of questioning. Don't be alarmed by it, but it asks you to maybe start wrapping up your comments shortly thereafter.
I generally don't cut off our witnesses. Members understand the purpose of the timeframes. So if you have some opening comments, I'd ask you to proceed at this point in time.