Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to thank the witnesses.
We'll probably have two rounds of questions. With your permission, I would like to address a topic that differs slightly from the topic at hand this morning.
In my constituency and in Montmorency—Charlevoix, on the Côte‑Nord and in Saguenay, you reintroduced a species of fish a number of years ago. This fish is becoming increasingly prevalent and is incredibly ferocious. It eats everything in sight. You have probably recognized this fish. It's the striped bass.
Please correct me if I'm wrong. In Gaspésie, I believe that commercial fishing isn't allowed, but that recreational fishing is permitted, at least. Fish of a certain length may be kept and fishers can keep two fish. In the western part of the region, up to the Quebec City bridge, recreational fishing isn't allowed and fish must be released.
My colleague, Gabriel Hardy, and I wrote yesterday to the minister to request a meeting. We want to know how the Department of Fisheries and Oceans plans to deal with the striped bass. Many recreational fishers and even commercial fishers are realizing the devastating impact of the striped bass in the region, particularly in the river. It's causing a significant decline in the population of a number of other species.
Ms. Lemire, since you're a scientist, you might be in a somewhat better position to tell me what the department plans to do about this.
I may have further questions later.