Lobster and shrimp, for instance, are doing very well particularly in the Gulf and Maritimes regions and are helping to soften the blow of a weaker groundfishery overall. Your members are demonstrating their capacity to adapt to this change. But the other side of the coin tells a different story a story of challenges to be met if this key Canadian industry is to remain strong nationally and globally. First Nations need to participate in the commercial fishery. Market fluctuations for our fisheries products are another concern.
Herring is a good example.
While the stock is one of the healthiest in the Gulf, economic downturns and oversupply in some key markets have brought uncertainty and concern to fishers who need to sell their fish this spring. I certainly understand this situation, and the challenges your members are facing because of it. At Dominic s request, I ve asked my officials to work with all stakeholders and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to find ways that DFO can help contribute to a workable solution. I understand that a number of meetings among industry stakeholders are ongoing including one this past Friday to identify both short and long-term solutions to this issue. I can tell you that you can count on Dominic and myself to do what we can to help find these solutions.