The minister's announcement today was made because we see that the tools we have used to date are no longer successful in ensuring the conservation of the species, or public safety.
There are three areas in which we are making changes.
First, there's the allocation for first nations. That's something they've been asking for. We've made changes to that over the last couple of years and we need to continue to consult with first nations on their participation in this fishery.
Secondly, there's regulatory control of the catch. Currently, the department only has the right to regulate what happens on the rivers, that is to say the fishery itself. However, we don't have the authority to intervene in the subsequent trade of these catches. So, if we see something, but we can't determine where it came from, it's difficult to intervene. Regulations covering the entire value chain are therefore very important, and would make it possible to monitor the position of elvers throughout the value chain, right up to export. We are working very hard on this point.
Thirdly, there's fisheries management. A traceability system would enable the department to have more data and information on catches and what's going on, in order to better protect the resource.
We're moving forward on all three fronts at the same time.