Mr. Speaker, to best respond to that question I can tell the House the results of the scientific and the sentinel surveys this year compared to last year. A number of things were determined.
Sentinel survey is actually done by fishermen in just over 100 sites around Newfoundland, Labrador and the gulf. There are a number of things this year compared with last year. First of all, the catch rates were better. In the sentinel survey in some cases the catch was double to 25 times greater than last year. The fish are larger and the size range is greater.
Scientists have indicated that the decline has ceased. The environment is better for the fish and the recruitment has indeed begun, although very slowly.
I have a caution. These sentinel surveys are controlled sites. They are inshore and there is no competition. We will be looking at some possible tests offshore in the near future.
The fisheries resource conservation council has done consultations in Newfoundland, Labrador and Atlantic Canada. It will be coming forward in October with a recommendation to me.
For the time being, cautious optimism.