Fisheries committee  In 2009 the department was facing a very serious situation as it related to the return to the Fraser of sockeye. We had predicted a run that simply did not materialize. Where we had expected between two and four million fish to return, in the end, less than 600,000 of those fish returned.

Fisheries committee  We have to certainly take into account the stocks that are returning at the time. Because they come back at different times and we have a good idea of the returns and their timing, we're able to understand, through historical information and through testing and genetic information, what stocks are in the area at what times.

Fisheries committee  Good morning, Mr. Chairman and committee members. I'm very happy to be here and to have the opportunity to speak with you today. Good morning everyone. As already introduced, my name is Rebecca Reid. I'm the regional director general for DFO, Pacific region. I'm joined by my colleagues Ms.

Fisheries committee  A working group has been struck between Canada and B.C., as well as meetings between ministers about this exact issue. We have been working on a management plan together, which incorporates each of the elements we think are important to protect steelhead. That work is under way right now, actively being worked on by staff and overviewed by ministers.

Fisheries committee  To date, it's just between DFO and B.C.

Fisheries committee  Well, I think that—

Fisheries committee  We do have formal mechanisms in place at the ministerial level. We have a ministerial-level committee. We have technical working groups. We have senior-level committees within governments to resolve disputes.

Fisheries committee  I don't have a number for you right now.

Fisheries committee  Is that question for me?

Fisheries committee  We have done a socio-economic analysis as part of the listing process, and so we do have information available on that piece.

Fisheries committee  I'll start, but I'm sure Mr. Bison would like to weigh in as well. Our view is there is a role for conservation-based enhancement activities. At the very low levels where steelhead are now, putting in some enhancement efforts would be beneficial in the short term, understanding the importance of maintaining the wildness of those stocks.

Fisheries committee  In our view, the question about pinnipeds is outstanding. We have done some work. There has been a recent symposium. There is some additional work going on. I would say that the impact of pinnipeds on these species is not entirely clear.

Fisheries committee  In the case of an economic or sale fishery, we would assign a priority for that lower than for a food, social and ceremonial fishery. The trade-off is for food, social and ceremonial access rather than economic access. I believe what your—

Fisheries committee  With regard to the food, social and ceremonial fishery, to me, the question is really at what level we would assign priority versus other fisheries. That fishery would be assigned a priority second to conservation. Conservation would still come first.

Fisheries committee  Thank you for that question. I would agree that DFO and B.C. have been working together for a very long time and certainly there are differences of opinion between us. Recently I think there has been a lot of interest and collaboration between us, particularly as it relates to steelhead management at the very senior level.