Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to welcome you, Minister and officials, to our meeting today.
Minister, in August 2025, a Clearwater Seafoods vessel, the Atlantic Protector, was caught illegally fishing for scallops in a closed area, 29D, off southwest Nova Scotia. DFO seized approximately 50,000 pounds of scallop meat, valued at over $1 million.
Recently, lobster harvesters in southwest Nova Scotia witnessed a Clearwater vessel transferring lobster at sea to inshore vessels. This is a violation of the quota used to manage the area 1 lobster fishery. This vessel carries a tracking device. Your department knows where this vessel is at all times. Will you commit today to prosecuting these poachers?