The government of Canada and coastal First Nations have designated the country’s largest marine protected area (MPA). A statement from Fisheries and Oceans Canada says the ecologically unique ocean area is located about 150 kilometres off the west coast of Vancouver Island.
It says the area spanning 133,017 square kilometers is home to “extraordinary seafloor features,” including more than 47 underwater mountains, known as seamounts, and all of the confirmed hydrothermal vents in Canada.
As it is reported, these deep-sea biological “hotspots” support rare and unique deep-water species that are both remarkable and culturally important.
The new designation makes it the largest marine protected area in Canada under Canada’s Oceans Act in partnership with the Council of the Haida Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Pacheedaht First Nation and Quatsino First Nation.
Formerly known as the Offshore Pacific Area of Interest, this deep-water ocean area was first identified for protection in May 2017 and measures to prevent certain fishing activities were subsequently put in place.
In 2023, the government of Canam and its partners signed a memorandum of understanding on how to collaboratively manage the new protected area Tang.Gwan – hacxwiqak – Tsigis.
Video credit: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
