That is a very good question. It is a major issue. Are we seeing a decline? I think so. In fact, this decline is partly related to the catch and release system imposed in other rivers. Not all people are educated to catch and release. So people stop doing it.
In terms of the new generation, the average age of Quebec anglers is about 55. However, since we are talking about the average, many of our anglers are aged 55 or 70 and over. This baby boomer generation will be out of the picture around 2018 or 2020. We expect to see them leave our rivers then. Right now, the biggest concern of all wildlife stakeholders in Quebec is to focus on the next generation.
Why is there no next generation? We can answer this question in a number of ways, but I would say that the FQSA is making a great deal of effort in that sense. Every year, we develop mentorship programs across Quebec so that young people can participate. There is a lot of training right now in Quebec.
Will we be able to make up for the shortfall? It is very difficult to say. Earlier, in my comments, I said that it would help if the government supported us through funding, promotion and fishing development programs. That is very important because it would help us. We could then make sure that we maintain an economic activity that often comes from urban centres and whose economic benefits are good for the regions in Quebec where the need is greater.