Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I thank both witnesses for being here today.
Mr. German, I'll start with you. In 2003 you told this committee, “solutions require strong legislation and cross-agency co-operation. However, there is no point in creating regulations if they are not enforced, or if those tasked with enforcement do not have the necessary skills and resources.”
In our current study, the committee is receiving a growing body of evidence stating that the solutions for long-standing problems are in the Fisheries Act and corresponding regulations. The issue is that the laws and regulations are not being adequately enforced. When we consider the developments around illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing of elvers in Atlantic Canada, when such harvests are not stopped, they provide the lifeblood for illegal black market sales. There are significant profits to be made. Failure to enforce in that one instance has a domino effect, as it creates other illegal activities.
In your opinion, what are some of the outcomes that can be expected when fisheries laws and regulations are not enforced?