Fisheries committee  I didn't quite understand the question.

Fisheries committee  The environment has indeed changed for many species. Generally speaking, groundfish species, for example cod, in different places, are just starting to recover. Many of our members have had more success with shrimp and crab than with groundfish species.

Fisheries committee  As far as the ecosystem is concerned, there are definitely major disturbances in the gulf.

Fisheries committee  Yes, it's possible, but, to be honest, I'm not an expert in this field.

Fisheries committee  There is some overlap in redfish between unit 1 and unit 2, where, I think I indicated, we're starting to see some smaller fish, but generally they're pretty contained.

Fisheries committee  I think that's a reasonable assumption for those who fish shrimp. We are interested in harvesting redfish because we have a history and a tradition of harvesting it, and we want to be able to sell it and maximize employment and economic opportunities for our members and coastal communities.

Fisheries committee  I can't speak to that. I don't think that's an issue for our members. We have, as I said, always participated in a redfish fishery, whether it's been as big as it is now or whether it's been much more limited.

Fisheries committee  No. We are called the “offshore sector” because we have licences for vessels of over 100 feet, but in fact we only have between four and six vessels that are actually over 100 feet. The majority of our vessels are much smaller.

Fisheries committee  Our members are located in 30 small communities across Atlantic Canada, and we employ Canadians. We contribute to coastal communities. Our employees live in coastal communities. Even if we have some large vessels that freeze it, these are plants that are the same as a land-based plant.

Fisheries committee  It could be both. It depends on the economics of it. Certainly, I think the department has confirmed that there's never been a policy in place that would not allow a vessel over 100 feet into the gulf.

Fisheries committee  These are local family businesses based in small communities across Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In terms of large vessels, I think we would argue that a larger vessel spends much less time on the water and is much more efficient, so in terms of the impact you're having on the environment and the ecosystem, it's much less than that of some smaller boats.

Fisheries committee  That advice, I believe, is for one year.

Fisheries committee  There would be a new assessment, yes, and new advice provided to the minister.

Fisheries committee  I'm not sure that's what the science advice is saying. I think it's predicting that it's likely to be very small going forward, and that in actual fact, the size of the stock will be much smaller in about eight or 10 years.

Fisheries committee  No matter what.