Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thanks to all of you for being here. I would also like to thank Mr. Hardie for bringing this to our attention. It really opened our eyes. I'm from the east coast, and I thought our fishery was complicated. When I hear how everything is taking place on the west coast, I'd rather go back to the east coast and hear from fishers there, but I'm really happy to hear what you guys have to say.
I'm hearing from different independent fishers about the issues, about financing, about leasing or getting a boat to go fish and not knowing if you have a contract. The advisory committee and subcommittees have been established to provide advice to DFO on the management of groundfish fisheries, including the halibut advisory board, the groundfish trawl advisory committee, the sablefish advisory committee, the groundfish hook and line subcommittee, the commercial industry caucus and the groundfish integrated advisory board.
Do active independent fishers feel they have a voice on those committees, and do they listen to you? Do they take you seriously?
I would ask any of you independent fishers what your thoughts are on that.