Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would first like to say that I am very happy to be here with you, colleagues, on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people, to present supplementary estimates (C) 2023-2024 on behalf of my department, the DFO.
In these supplementary estimates, I am seeking a majority of the funding for three key sectors of the department, a total of $102.3 million. First, $50 million will be allocated to the Salish Sea Initiative. That figure, which is carried forward from the previous year's department budget, will be used to establish an investment fund managed by indigenous people with the aim of providing long-term support for priority projects for the first nations, which seek to improve the health of the ecosystems in their traditional waters. Second, $30 million dollars will be devoted to the increase in the cost of marine fuel associated with the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. This funding will enable it to carry out the activities planned for this year, including by supporting conservation and environmental protection programs and undertaking law enforcement oversight activities at sea. Third, $11.6 million will be used to protect and promote the health of at-risk whale populations, such as the North Atlantic right whale, southern resident killer whales and the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga. If committee members have questions about these investments, my officials and I will be happy to provide more details after my presentation.
Before we do that, however, there are several points I would like to address. I am well aware that the members of this committee would like to talk about numerous other topics of discussion today.
I will start with redfish. In January, as you know, I announced the reopening of the Unit 1 commercial redfish fishery starting this year. Since this fishery had been under a moratorium for almost 30 years, I have to tell you that in the circumstances, this can only be good news. The first phase of the reopening of the commercial fishery will last two years. During that period, the redfish quota will be at least—and yes, I said at least—25,000 tonnes or more, based on the recommendations that come out of the meeting of the Redfish Advisory Committee that was held at the beginning of the month. I know there was also discussion of how the quota will be allocated among the fleets and measures for managing the fishery.
The department is currently compiling all of the comments on which certain decisions that must be made before the Unit 1 redfish fishery opens for the 2024 season will be based. While we are now in the very early stages of this reopening, I am sure that ultimately, when the industry has buckled down to the job, developed markets and strengthened its processing capacity, the redfish fishery will be a formidable economic development tool for our coastal communities. We know that between then and now there is work still to be done; that is why I have repeatedly said over recent months, and this is particularly true in the case of the shrimp boats, that the redfish fishery will not solve everything.
That brings me to my second point: the difficult situation currently facing shrimp fishers. First, allow me to express my full support for everyone who is affected, whether directly or indirectly, by the closing this week of the Fruits de mer de l'Est processing plant in Matane. I have to tell you that the closing of a fishery company is never good news, period.
As we know, the industry is facing multiple problems and challenges, and with climate change and the resulting heating of the oceans, everything underwater is in flux right now. The data presented by Fisheries and Oceans last week speaks for itself. The climate crisis is real and its effects are already being felt in our marine ecosystems. Shrimp has fallen victim to it, but other species will have to live with similar disruptions in the years to come. That is why a broader examination of the future of the fisheries is called for. We owe it to our children, our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren.
Just last week, I had a constructive meeting in Ottawa with representatives of the Association des capitaines-propriétaires de la Gaspésie, the Fédération régionale acadienne des pêcheurs professionnels, and the Fish, Food & Allied Workers. We addressed the difficult situation that shrimp boats in the St. Lawrence estuary and gulf are currently facing, and also the great importance of supporting fishers and processors in the region.
You may rest assured that between then and now, I will continue to keep open the channels of communication with the industry and with the indigenous communities and my provincial counterparts, in order to overcome, together, the climate challenges our coastal communities are facing at present.
Last, I want to talk about the eel fishery. As you know, I made the difficult decision last week to not open the 2024 eel fishery in the Maritimes and to not issue eel fishing licences. In recent years, the eel fishery has faced very serious challenges related to unauthorized fishing and impacts on conservation of the species, as well as threats and violence committed against fishers, fishery officers and other people.
I am perfectly aware that this fishery and the fisheries of other species are important to the economic health of our coastal communities. I want to stress once again that this decision was neither easy nor pleasant to make. However, responsible management of resources and public safety must always take precedence over everything else. That is why anyone who tries to fish for eels will be subject to law enforcement measures taken by fishery officers who are cooperating with other agencies to combat the unauthorized fishing, sale and possession of eels for export purposes.
Since last week, fishery officers have arrested at least 34 people and seized a considerable amount of equipment. In other words, fishery officers are doing their job: They are patrolling the rivers, facilities and points of export as we speak. Not only is it wrong to claim otherwise, it also encourages other people to commit illegal acts, which will lead to more arrests. Allow me to say that I find that despicable and downright irresponsible.
The department is continuing its work to make the necessary changes to the regulations and management, to ensure the safety and sustainability of the eel fishery for all fishers. The fishery will reopen only when these measures have been fully implemented.
On that note, thank you. I am now ready to answer your questions.