Mr. Chairman, I thank the hon. member for his question and also acknowledge his valuable contribution to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.
As we heard from Commissioner Gélinas, she reminded us that the landed value of Atlantic clams, mussels and oysters in 2000 was about $57 million on the Atlantic side and that catches of Atlantic lobster in 2000 were worth over $500 million. They may very well be threatened by the colonization of the green crab and, lest the west coast feels slighted by being ignored, the green crab is an equal opportunity invasive species. It is also going to the west coast where it is starting to colonize.
Do we need science? Of course we need science. We always need more science. We need more of the best information possible because, as we heard from one of the eminent scientists in committee, there is a symbiotic relationship quite often between different invasive species, one that people would not think works in collaboration with another invasive species to provide a triple threat. There is always a need for scientific evidence and investigation and that takes money.
As with anything, as with all governments, there has to be an allocation. These are tough choices. One can always second guess whether the line was drawn too high or too low, but one thing is certain. There must be money to encourage and continue scientific evidence, particularly in the areas of the fisheries because so much is unknown. What is so irritating to me as an ordinary person on occasion is to hear that a scientist has been asked a question and responds by saying, “I don't know”. If the scientists do not know, how can we possibly make policy?