BC’s newest marine protected area is also now the biggest.
On Thursday the federal government and multiple First Nations announced that more than 133,000 square kilometres of ocean, which include all of Canada’s hydrothermal vents, is protected from fishing and industrial activity.
The region is approximately 150 kilometres west of Vancouver Island’s West Coast, and includes more 47 seamounts and all the known hydrothermal vents in Canada, which support rare and unique deep-water species.
The area was designated in partnership with the Haida Nation, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council, Pacheedaht and Quatsino First Nations. It’s been named the Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is [Tung-Gwun huch-kwi-kuk tsee-geese] Marine Protected Area, a combination of Indigenous words from the nations involved for the deep ocean and sea monsters.
For more information, including a video of some of the unique sea life and vents in the new MPA, visit DFO’s official MPA website.
