Mr. Chair, these sectors make a tremendous contribution to the national economy. Our wild and cultured fisheries contribute approximately $12 billion annually to the Canadian economy. Fish and seafood is Canada's largest single food export commodity, exporting 85% of our seafood production.
Our country is one of the world's largest commercial fishing industries, worth more than $6 billion a year. Commercial fishing, processing and aquaculture employ 85,000 people and are the mainstay of many of our coastal communities. Recreational fishing is popular with Canadians and tourists and generates approximately $7.5 billion for the national economy.
These are significant figures, and upon hearing them, it is easy to understand how vitally important these sectors are to our national economy. DFO is investing taxpayers' dollars strategically in order to further economic prosperity.