Fisheries Committee on Feb. 2nd, 2026

[Kaili Levesque]

As Mr. Williams said, it's the issue of analyzing data to show what it means in terms of management. It's a matter of taking the data on the landings themselves, the stocks and the catch per unit of effort, and looking at what that means in terms of recommendations to the minister. Those recommendations cover not only the total allowable catch for the following year, but also management measures in the given areas to prevent exploratory fisheries from harming existing fisheries and to ensure that the effects are essentially juxtaposed.

[Alexis Deschênes, Bloc, Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC]

In terms of fisheries management, I understand that a decision has to be made. What's the story from a scientific standpoint? Are there enough lobster resources to open up phase 2?

[Kaili Levesque]

There have been positive impacts so far. As Mr. Williams said, we're optimistic, based on what we have seen.

Now, what does that mean or how does that translate into recommendations for management measures? That's what the conclusion of the scientific analysis is about. It applies to interactions throughout the whole area, not just the exploratory fisheries that were targeted.

[Alexis Deschênes, Bloc, Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC]

What's the nature of the interactions?

[Kaili Levesque]

We want to make sure that landings made in the exploratory areas don't interfere with commercial catches in the regions, as Mr. Williams said.

[Alexis Deschênes, Bloc, Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC]

That's what I want to understand, Ms. Levesque. If I understand correctly, your scientists are telling you that things are going well and that phase 2 could be opened.

[Kaili Levesque]

They have spoken.

[Alexis Deschênes, Bloc, Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC]

You're at the stage where you're wondering whether this is a problem for other fishers and whether you have the processing capacity, right?

[Kaili Levesque]

The scientists haven't weighed in on that yet. They're still finalizing the analysis, as Mr. Williams said.

[Alexis Deschênes, Bloc, Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC]

When will a decision be made?

[Todd Williams]

I think the decision will be made very soon, with all of the inputs from science and based on some consultations with harvesters.

[Kaili Levesque]

A scientific committee will be meeting soon, on February 24 and 27. It's called the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat, or CSAS. That's what will review the recommendations.

[The Chair, Liberal, Patrick Weiler]

Thank you very much for that.

Thank you, Mr. Deschênes.

Next we're going to Mr. Small for five minutes.

[Clifford Small, Conservative, Central Newfoundland, NL]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I'm going to ask about mackerel.

On Mr. Connors' question for the minister earlier about the possibility of a mackerel reopening in 2026, she spoke of science from the fishing industry that's currently being analyzed to make the decision.

Mr. Williams, could you give me an example of one type of data you're analyzing right now?

[Todd Williams]

Do you mean in terms of egg sampling, for example, from science?

[Clifford Small, Conservative, Central Newfoundland, NL]

I mean a type of science data that's been provided by harvesters to your department. Can you give me an example of one type of data that you're analyzing right now?

[Todd Williams]

Certainly, harvesters have reached out to us, and we are having an advisory committee meeting in three weeks. They have contacted us and have said that based on observations and based on what they have seen in and around—

[Clifford Small, Conservative, Central Newfoundland, NL]

No, you were waiting for the industry to provide you science data, which the minister confirmed earlier this morning that her department is now analyzing. Which type of scientific data did the fishing industry collect with respect to mackerel, and how is that being analyzed right now?

[Todd Williams]

I know the industry is very much actively involved in egg sampling—

[Clifford Small, Conservative, Central Newfoundland, NL]

What kind of science was the minister referencing?

[Todd Williams]

I believe it was in reference to the collaborative work we have with stakeholders in terms of egg—

[Clifford Small, Conservative, Central Newfoundland, NL]

No, which metric would the fishing industry have provided to you?

[Todd Williams]

Part of the work they do is with respect to egg sampling. We collect egg samples—

[Clifford Small, Conservative, Central Newfoundland, NL]

With all due respect, I think that's your scientific research—

[Todd Williams]

—in collaboration with industry.