As I mentioned earlier, we think it's possible to change and improve the closure measures.
Two types of dynamic closures exist. When a right whale is spotted, a temporary closure is put in place. If another right whale is spotted on day nine or 15 of the closure, the fishery is closed for the season.
Although that approach protects right whales, it's problematic. In May, when the whales arrive in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, they are transiting, heading for areas where they can feed. The approach being used, however, doesn't take that into account. An area is automatically closed as soon as a right whale is spotted, but since the whale is transiting, it may no longer be in the area the next day. Regardless, the area has been closed for the season, so until the end of the season, right up to November. As a result, areas where the fishing is good are off limits to harvesters, despite the fact that right whales are no longer present.
In our view, the approach can be adjusted to take that into account.