Good evening, Mr. Cormier. I'm pleased to meet with you.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and all of the scientists have always told us that we should not exploit a species for too long, to give it time and opportunity to reproduce and live properly. For lobster, it's the same thing. It is very clear that we must not exploit this species when it is in a vulnerable period.
In the Chaleurs Bay—north of it for Gaspesians and south of it for New Brunswickers—summer and fall are periods when lobsters can moult or lay their eggs. So, based on the principle that we must ensure the sustainability of the species, we must refrain from fishing during these periods.