Madam Chair, the Pacific integrated groundfishery is an important example of ecosystem-based management where all fish harvested, target catch and bycatch, is accounted for. This management approach was developed though a collaborative effort involving DFO and the fishing industry. It is particularly important for the protection of Pacific rockfish.
As my colleague noted, the fishing industry should be commended for its collaboration. I also believe that the industry has been rewarded for its efforts through such benefits as longer and more viable seasons and fisheries will no longer be threatened by excessive bycatch.
To be certain, in these tough economic times, fishers do not need any additional threats to their livelihoods. We are proud of this success story.