Thank you for that question.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is currently holding discussions concerning mackerel and herring. We know that there are studies that have been done. We should also have the results of the negotiations undertaken with the United States. The deputy minister may be able to give you more information on that subject.
As I said, this subject is important to me. I have had discussions with some of my colleagues, but also with representatives from the fisheries industry. The people in the industry say that Canada has been much stricter than the United States. The people on the Atlantic coast have talked to me a lot about the difference between the United States and Canada. As I said, I think it is important to continue to collaborate with the actors in the industry to find the most appropriate solutions.
I have to tell you, however, that the herring fishery is difficult this fall. The fishers are not reaching the quotas that were authorized. In addition, the size of the mackerel has really declined in my riding.
Climate change is not helping matters, and this problem is worrying the entire fishing industry. The subject is brought up again at all my meetings, both with people in the fish harvesting sector and with people in the processing sector, even when the fisheries are going well. I am told that they need data, they need to work with the department, now more than ever. I am personally working to restore trust between the department and the industries.