Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to present on the study. I certainly want to recognize the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans and the work you're doing. I look forward to your final report and recommendations.
I'm the managing director of the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation, which is a separate incorporated entity of Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a mandate driven by an industry-led board of directors representing harvesters, processing and the aquaculture industry. The centre is a conduit between the fishing industries, academia, science and research institutions, and companies that support the industry. We are an enabler organization leading applied research, innovation and technology in the Canadian seafood sector.
CCFI responds to R and D needs in the harvesting, processing and aquaculture sectors by developing and leading projects, big and small, and transitioning quickly to meet emerging opportunities or challenges. It demonstrates leadership in equity and diversity, and it fosters understanding and a shared approach with indigenous peoples and their communities. Finally, CCFI supports sustainable fisheries and enables industry adaptation to climate change.
Your study of the ecosystem impacts and the management of pinniped populations is needed more than ever in light of the growing abundance of pinnipeds, especially harp, grey and harbour seals. I would suggest the understanding of the correlation—the cause and effect relationships—between the pinniped predation on various fish species and the effect on commercially harvested species and other species in decline is gravely lacking in science and thus in the public discourse.
From a Canadian perspective, I think we need to ask if we are willing to take on the investment and commitment to truly collect the data needed, and the research and science, to achieve the understanding required to allow resource management reflective of those findings. We are facing an unprecedented ecosystem predation issue related to the overpopulation, the amount of fish being consumed and the effect on the ecosystem.
I think your motion speaks well to the topics that need attention, such as ecosystem impacts of pinniped overpopulation. We need multi-year, multispecies spatial and migratory research. Short-term ad hoc stomach content research is not adequate. So many variables are not being considered, such as migratory patterns, changes in water temperature and even the effects on predated fish species and other species that are available for predation.
On domestic and international marketing potential, as an example, Canada consumes very little seal as a food source, but we try to convince the world to continue or to begin that consumption. We need to invest in the research on meat preparation, diet and the nutritional value of meat and other attributes; in the expansion as a food source in international markets; and, as we have said, in full utilization in any harvest.
We need active management—real-time management with long-term supported research coordinated with industry, science and supportive organizations that have no stake or bias, other than to facilitate research and data and communicate findings for use in resource management.
On being socially acceptable, we need to view this industry a little differently now. Regarding the medical and pharmaceutical attributes of seal, the natural ingredients, the new generation views as key to a healthy lifestyle natural occurrences in nature, which fits perfectly with a renewed view of the attributes of this industry.
I'll also quickly reference the Atlantic seal task force report. It talked about many similar aspects related to seal diet, distribution and migration patterns, a better understanding of the relationship between seals and commercial fish stocks, and how all of us need to work collaboratively and seek out other science from other nations as well.
There were four points identified that are quite relevant: seal diet, distribution, relationships I've talked about and working collaboratively with all industry partners.
I would conclude by stating that everyone must be engaged in the research process going forward, supported by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and used to make resource management decisions reflective of the significant predation occurring in the overall ecosystem and how it is linked. We need to rethink how we collect data and science to support the work of DFO. We certainly collectively need a commitment to act.
I thank you for the opportunity to present to you today and to share some thoughts with your committee. I look forward to any questions you may have as we move forward.
Thank you, Chair, very much.