Thank you, Kristi.
As you know, DFO's primary mandate is to manage Canada's fisheries and to protect our waters.
Consistent with that mandate, the protection, conservation and restoration of wild Pacific salmon is a key priority.
Pacific salmon are under threat, and the challenges facing them are numerous and multi-faceted. Unforeseen events such as the Big Bar landslide have further heightened the risk facing these populations.
The department has taken significant action, guided by Canada's wild salmon policy and its corresponding implementation plan, as well as the 75 recommendations from the Cohen commission. With respect to marine finfish aquaculture, the department continues to rely on the best available science and a robust regulatory system to manage potential risks to wild fish stocks and ecosystems.
We have made a number of strategic investments, including $142 million, with the province of B.C., for the B.C. salmon restoration innovation fund; $5 million to support the work of the Pacific Salmon Foundation; and, $15 million to implement the Pacific Salmon Treaty's new commitments for stock assessment, coded wire tagging and catch monitoring.
The minister's supplementary letter sets out a commitment “to bring forward a” long-term “Pacific Salmon Strategy and deliver on our commitment to conserve and protect wild Pacific salmon and their habitats and ecosystems”. Budget 2021 identified $647 million over five years to support this work.
Over the coming months, we will be actively supporting the minister in shaping and delivering on this initiative, including close collaboration with our many partners working on the front lines of salmon conservation.
Thank you for your attention. Your questions will be welcome.
Thank you.