Yes, I am. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Good afternoon, Chair, vice-chairs and members.
First, I wish to acknowledge that I am speaking with you on the unceded Anishinabe Algonquin territory. The people of the Anishinabe Algonquin nation have lived on this territory for millennia. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. I express my honour for the people and the land of the Anishinabe Algonquin nation. I also express my honour for all first nations, Inuit and Métis people and their valuable past and present contributions to this land.
My name is Bernard Vigneault. I'm the director general of ecosystem science at Fisheries and Oceans Canada. My colleagues and I appreciate the opportunity to appear before this committee on behalf of the department.
I'm accompanied today by Ms. Wendy Williams, regional director of aquatic ecosystems, Maritimes region, at Fisheries and Oceans Canada. In addition to marine planning and conservation, she's also responsible for the fish and fish habitat protection program and the species at risk management division.
Mr. Luke Gaulton is director of oceans and aquaculture management, Maritimes region, at Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He's also responsible for marine planning and conservation in the Maritimes region.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for managing Canada's fisheries, protecting aquatic ecosystems and ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources. We publish scientific information, research results and conclusions in support of open science.
On December 18, 2025, DFO published a Canadian manuscript report of fisheries and aquatic sciences entitled “Four Wind Energy Areas (WEA) in the Offshore of Nova Scotia: A Description of the Primary Marine Ecosystem Features, Significant and Protected Areas, At-risk and Depleted Species, Fish and Fisheries, Science Surveys, and Other Human Uses that May Occur In and Around the French Bank, Middle Bank, Sable Island Bank, and Sydney Bight Areas”.
The report was published in support of the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore energy regulator's call for information, which closed on January 13, 2026.