Based on what we've read and what Fisheries and Oceans Canada told us in answer to our questions, nothing would put those policies at risk. However, we would still like to inject a note of caution, since this issue is so crucial for Atlantic Canada.
Our fears are mostly based on the fact that some of the countries that are part of this agreement, such as New Zealand, have systems that are very privatized and very different. Yet we are hearing that throughout the world those who have opted for greater corporatization, or more privatization, are now thinking of coming back to larger fleets and smaller vessels. That's actually much more profitable for citizens. Big vessels and all that goes with them is all very well and good, but you need a lot of capital and high revenues to make it work. So it's not always the most effective way to conduct the fishery.