We were happy to see the actions that Minister Shea took and also the way the committee was put together with representatives of all the provinces. It was made up of people who are very credible and knowledgeable, with quite a bit of experience in salmon conservation science. People like Mr. LeBlanc's organization were a part of that also.
There have been some interim measures that have been presented to Minister Shea, which she acted upon. The problem right now with part of that directive is that the Restigouche, Matapédia, and Kedgwick are border rivers with New Brunswick and Quebec. So until further notice, individuals who are standing on the New Brunswick side of the Restigouche River have to release anything they catch and use a single barbless hook. Somebody fishing from the Quebec side can keep a grilse using a single hook that is barbless or barbed, or a barbed double hook. We're hoping that there will be some harmonization in place before next Monday, which is the official start of the season.
Another potential problem with that area is that enforcement and surveillance are lacking. Human nature being what it is, some people are obviously not happy that they have to release everything this year on the New Brunswick side, so there could be some abuse. But without having the proper enforcement or surveillance, it will be very difficult to get a handle on that.