Fisheries committee  Thank you for the question. We look at the decisions as they come out. We also have as evidence the CSAS reports that are being produced, which can tell us what our projected stock is going to do and what factors are involved. They actually provide that clear advice to the minister, which is translated through the groundfish advisory or those resource advisory committees.

Fisheries committee  Often the inputs that are missing really are derived from some of the people you see on this call. Because of this move away from a larger inclusion of the harvesting community into some of the CSAS processes, that voice can't be heard. Those questions are coming after the process is complete and after the decisions and recommendations have been made.

Fisheries committee  Thank you very much for the question. This is one of those issues that is near and dear to all of our hearts. Industry members are able to bring forward a unique position. I look around at the list of witnesses we have at this meeting today. They are actually able to bring observations that are outside of the standard, whether those be DFO research vessel surveys or some sort of external viewing through a satellite image of chlorophyll or things like that.

Fisheries committee  We collaborate directly with them. We often work directly with DFO science if they require some additional information, whether it be length-weight relationships being derived from a plant or gonad samples being taken from our vessels. With the environmental non-governmental organizations, we also try to collaborate where we have a common interest or goal in mind.

Fisheries committee  No. I have not seen it. I'm aware of the contents, which included basically.... The challenge was that there might be damage to sensitive benthos by burying, so the solution was to lay it on top in those areas.

Fisheries committee  By all means, thank you very much for the question. Really, this is one of those situations where the industry was directly contacted by a proponent who intended to put the cable down in the tail end of last year, which was 2021. This was never brought to our attention directly by the department.

Fisheries committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. On behalf of the Atlantic Groundfish Council and its members, I would like to thank the committee for the invitation to appear on this important study. The council represents the greater than 100-foot groundfish enterprise allocation holders in Atlantic Canada.