Fisheries committee  I did try to suggest that we explain the protocol, because the protocol will answer that question specifically.

Fisheries committee  The answer to that is that it depends on a number of factors that need to be taken into account—

Fisheries committee  We have an agreed-upon protocol that both industry and the DFO have accepted, so I think the solution has been arrived at for the season. I think we have addressed the concern that was raised by both the officers and industry.

Fisheries committee  I cannot, specifically. I would ask Nicole to speak to that aspect, please.

Fisheries committee  I would say that the prawn industry is economically very important to British Columbians and to local communities, so there is no question about our interest in ensuring that we have a sustainable fishery. The long-term solution is simply something that we need to work with indu

Fisheries committee  We have consultation practices. We have a regular advisory process for each of the industries, and we work collaboratively with them. We have managers who specialize in particular species, and they work and develop relationships with industry representatives and others. In that w

Fisheries committee  Regarding standards, I'm not exactly sure what you're looking for, but I will say that we have regular advisory processes with industry. We also meet with others, such as the recreational sector and indigenous groups, on issues of importance and concern. We have people assigned t

Fisheries committee  That's right.

Fisheries committee  I would say first of all that there hasn't been a change—this practice has long been in place—and second of all that the industry has responded appropriately. We have gotten agreement on the protocol and we have a way forward. The fishery has started, and you're right that it i

Fisheries committee  For next year we need to continue to work with industry on some of the issues that Neil raised. If tubbing is the preferred packaging, then let's talk about what that looks like and how we can come up with methodologies going forward to make sure that the fish are readily inspect

Fisheries committee  I would like to ask Nicole to respond, please.

Fisheries committee  I think, Madame Gill, that's exactly the point. The industry came up with a methodology to rapidly thaw the prawns that DFO found to be acceptable, so we could work with them. The fishery officers could inspect readily and could look at the prawns. That methodology—which perhaps

Fisheries committee  If possible, I'd like to address the issue you raised before, around conservation, because I think that's the key. We don't need a conservation concern before we take action to protect the sustainability of a fishery. We don't wait—

Fisheries committee  What I'm trying to—

Fisheries committee  Size limit is an important part of ensuring conservation, but it's not the only measure we put into place. It's one factor of many that we use in order to ensure a sustainable fishery.