Why the other options are wrong:

• new fuel subsidies for commercial fishers.: Fuel subsidies for commercial fishers are not the subject of this report.
• changes to seafood labelling rules in Atlantic Canada.: Seafood labelling rules are not discussed.
• a complete closure of the lobster fishery in Nova Scotia.: The proposal is an 8 percent reduction in quota, not a complete closure of the fishery.

Correct Answer: the fishery has recovered from similar challenges before.

Why this is correct: The association president said the fishery has rebounded before and warned that sudden cuts could push small operators out of business. He believes past recoveries show the stock can bounce back.

Why the other options are wrong:

• warmer waters have improved lobster populations.: Warmer waters are listed as a concern, not as something that helped populations.
• conservation groups should manage the quota process.: The association did not suggest conservation groups should manage the process.
• federal data fully supports the proposed reduction.: The association said the data is being interpreted too cautiously, so they do not fully support the reduction.

Correct Answer: declining catch rates and warmer waters.

Why this is correct: The transcript says DFO cited declining catch rates and warmer water temperatures as reasons for the proposed quota reduction. These two factors are the basis for capping landings at 27,000 tonnes.

Why the other options are wrong:

• a recent increase in juvenile lobster size.: The report mentions a decline in juvenile counts, not an increase in their size.
• export demand from the United States.: Export demand from the United States is not mentioned in the report.
• requests from provincial politicians.: Requests from provincial politicians are not cited as a reason for the proposal.

Correct Answer: took place outside a regional DFO office.

Why this is correct: The transcript says RCMP confirmed a brief protest outside the regional DFO office in Dartmouth last week. The protest happened at the fisheries department's regional office.

Why the other options are wrong:

• was organised by conservation scientists.: The report identifies the protest location but does not identify conservation scientists as its organisers.
• resulted in several arrests by the RCMP.: The report says no charges were laid. It does not report several arrests.
• forced the cancellation of public meetings.: The report mentions a brief protest outside the regional DFO office. It does not report the cancellation of public meetings.

Correct Answer: continue as both sides await final decisions.

Why this is correct: The proposal is still open for comment until July 15 and final quotas will be announced in August. Both sides are calling for better data sharing and longer-term planning. This means the dispute is ongoing and everyone is waiting for final decisions.

Why the other options are wrong:

• lead to higher quotas next year.: Higher quotas next year are not predicted in the report.
• shift entirely to the provincial courts.: The process involves DFO and consultations, not provincial courts.
• end once the fall season begins.: The proposal remains open for comment and final quotas are due in August. The report does not predict that the dispute will end once the fall season begins.