Given the significant decline in shrimp biomass, the low redfish allocation for shrimp harvesters, the possible disappearance of the shrimp industry and the impact on fishers, crew and processing plant owners and employees, as well as coastal communities and businesses; and, given the urgency, I move:
That, in accordance with Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of the scales used by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to set redfish quotas, in particular those announced by the Minister on January 26, 2024, in order to assess the extent of their effects on the shrimp fishing industry; that the committee allocate at least two meetings to conduct this study; that the February 27 meeting be allocated to hear from the Minister and senior DFO officials so they can answer the committee’s questions for two hours, and that the February 29 meeting be allocated to hear from any witnesses the committee deems necessary; and that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House.