International Trade committee  It's important to understand that the regulatory environment and context within the United States are different from those in Canada. In many respects, the regulatory system within DFO is, in some cases, superior. We have the flexibility to dynamically open and close certain fishing areas in which marine mammals, such as the North Atlantic right whale, may be present, and they can't easily do that, so they use other measures as a way to mitigate risk, including looking at the type of gear that is used, how much gear, in what capacity—

International Trade committee  We are in regular contact with our counterparts, again, at a variety of levels within the United States. We know, from conversations with other countries, that we're receiving the same information they are in terms of the U.S. government's ongoing work to implement the MMPA. I can't speak to the broader trade issues the honourable member mentioned, but certainly, on this particular file, I can say the relationship is very good.

International Trade committee  I'd like to provide a few points for context. One, DFO does not regulate bait and what's used as bait. That is really a decision by fish harvesters. Two, there was a company, and perhaps others, who were exploring the use of seal and seal parts as bait, and it was seeing some success in regard to that.

International Trade committee  It's important to note that we have very good relations with the U.S. government, both at the working level and at more senior levels, regarding the implementation and compliance under their Marine Mammal Protection Act. Certainly, we have received no indication to date that we are not in compliance with the provisions of their legislation, and DFO is doing everything in its power to ensure that the United States has all of the information it needs to make those determinations.

International Trade committee  First, I'll speak in relation to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, or MMPA. In terms of context, this act was introduced during the Nixon era in the United States. Only more recently was it enforced in particular provisions around the protection of marine mammals as they relate to the importation of fish and seafood products to the United States.

International Trade committee  I think, on the contrary, that as long as we remain in compliance.... In fact, the Quebec and Canadian industries as a whole will benefit. The measures we put in place to protect the North Atlantic right whale, as an example, are designed to protect while at the same time remain flexible for industry.

International Trade committee  I can't speak about the importation of fish products. That would not fall within the mandate of DFO, or at least fisheries management.

Fisheries committee  Thank you very much for the question. Indeed, that's exactly the approach we wish to take. We have engaged with first nations and indigenous communities over the past two years. Now that we have a set amount, we are in a much better position to consult fully with those first nation communities that have identified an interest in the fishery itself.

Fisheries committee  Sure. Over the past two years we've engaged and consulted anyone who has had a stake in the fishery historically or wished to gain access to the fishery, for example, first nations, which represents dozens of various groups. Those are the same groups that we're continuing to engage and consult with.

Fisheries committee  I can speak to that question. Looking at consultations, next week there are four days of meetings in Halifax, the first two days focused on fisheries management measures, including TAC recommendations from harvesters, and the other two days focused on suballocations for those various fleets.

Fisheries committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, for that question. I think it's important to recognize that next week, we are seeking the views of harvesters. We know that some will be ready to fish immediately. We know others won't. We want to maintain flexibility, be adaptive and pivot where need be, and respond to the interests of those harvesters that are ready.

Fisheries committee  We're going to look at a number of options, and I want to hear the views of those stakeholders and those harvesters to see what they have. It might be different based on the fleets, as well, and their situation.

Fisheries committee  Yes, that is correct. However, the fishing itself would probably not start until June 15 because of spawning closures.

Fisheries committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, for the question. We currently don't have a policy that prevents large vessels over 100 feet from fishing in the gulf. We do know that there are nine offshore licence-holders.

Fisheries committee  I would imagine, yes.