Madam Speaker, I would like to clarify that this is not a new or recent regulation, nor has DFO recently changed its interpretation of it. Any person who catches a fish or prawn while fishing commercially must package it in a way that allows for the species, number, weight and size of the fish to be readily determined.
Again, we recognize how important the prawn industry is to B.C. and to Canadians. That is why we have been very clear that the conservation and protection enforcement posture this season will be one of education and awareness.
At a recent meeting between DFO officials and industry representatives on March 10, DFO and industry agreed to form a working group to review industry proposals for addressing this issue. I am encouraged by the industry's interest in working with DFO on a speedy solution to it. DFO staff will be working closely and collaboratively with industry to explore both immediate and long-term—