B.C. waters home to Canada's largest marine protected area

Canada’s newest marine protected area is the largest to be recognized under Canada's Oceans Act. Established in partnership with the Council of the Haida Nation, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, the Pacheedaht First Nation and the Quatsino First Nation, the area is huge, spanning more than 133,000 square kilometres. It stretches from the U.S. territorial boundary to around the mid-point between Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii. 

The area has been named, Tang.Gwan — hacxwiqak — Tsigis. This name combines a Haida word meaning deep ocean, a Pacheedaht word meaning deepest part of the ocean and a Quatsino word referring to a monster of the deep. 

As the name suggests, the MPA was established to protect 47 seamounts and all of Canada’s hydrothermal ocean vents—biological ‘hotspots’ that also have cultural significance for the Nations. Fisheries and Oceans Canada claims that this MPA brings Canada half-way toward the goal of 30X30. As always, the actual achievement of that goal will depend on the management plans and their enforcement, not just the ocean area designated for protection. 

Find out more. 

Photo public domain NOAA.