Absolutely, Minister. I think we are hearing, from coast to coast, and from numerous harvesters, producers and coastal community stakeholders—those whose livelihoods and histories depend.... They have lived in these communities for generations. They want it to be there for future generations. All of us want there to be a healthy fishery and, obviously, healthy and clean waters.
One thing that has come to the surface, repeatedly is not new to our time here on the fisheries committee. It dates back to the early 1990s, around the time of the collapse of the cod fishery. I quote then-minister of fisheries Brian Tobin, who said at the time that there is “only one major player” still fishing cod: “His first name is harp and his second name is seal.” Whether it's on the east or west coast, we're hearing testimony, Minister, that is absolutely overwhelming. We have a huge challenge in the waters. Something is very discernible and detectable, and the science is definitely pointing to this. It is something that we, as a government, could address now: the pinniped challenge.
What, Minister, are you and your government doing to address the pinniped issue on both coasts?