The issues affecting both Atlantic and Pacific salmon are not simple. They are complex, and they require a lot of work and thought, not the least of which are the impacts of climate change. Climate change for a species that is typically a cold water species becomes increasingly problematic in rivers and estuaries that become increasingly warm at times of the year when salmon spawning is often taking place.
We are very much committed to working collaboratively with all of the partner organizations to conserve and protect Atlantic salmon. That includes the Atlantic Salmon Federation and a range of other organizations, including many of the organizations that we met with when I was in your riding. Through the Atlantic Salmon Research Joint Venture forum, DFO experts are working with leading researchers from conservation groups, academia and other governments under a more unified Canadian Atlantic salmon research agenda, so we're doing a lot of work with respect to research. This past year, the Atlantic Salmon Research Joint Venture hosted a signature event in Quebec City that was really focused on delineating paths forward for some of the issues facing Atlantic salmon. Some of the issues are obviously international, so we are working with NASCO to find ways to reduce Greenland's annual catch, which has been a big issue. We are going to continue to work on that.
Of course, we need to continue to focus on projects that relate to things like habitat restoration. While it wasn't in your riding, I was in Nova Scotia last week to announce two coastal restoration fund projects—one on the St. Marys River and one on the West River—that are focused primarily on salmon restoration.
It's a comprehensive approach. It's absolutely a priority for this government. We recognize how important Atlantic salmon are to coastal communities and to indigenous communities all across Atlantic Canada.