The Council of the Haida Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Pacheedaht First Nation, Quatsino First Nation, and the Government of Canada have designated the Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is as a Marine Protected Area (MPA).
This newly designated MPA, located approximately 150 kilometers off the west coast of Vancouver Island, is now Canada’s largest, covering an expansive 133,017 square kilometers. It was established under the Oceans Act via Governor in Council.
What are MPAs?
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are geographically distinct zones for which protection objectives are set. They constitute a globally connected system for safeguarding biodiversity and maintaining marine ecosystem health and the supply of ecosystem services.
MPAs vary depending on the types of activities that are permitted within the boundaries of the protected area. Below is a list of the different levels of protection found within MPAs.
- Multiple Use: Allows extractive uses (like fishing) with some restrictions.
- No-Take: MPAs that allow people to use the area but prohibit extraction or any destruction to the area. These are also called marine reserves. An example would be the Papahanuamokuakea Marine National Monument, which doesn’t permit fishing.
- No Impact: MPAs that allow people to use the area but extraction, disposal of possible pollutants, the installation of materials, and disruption to the environment of any kind is not premitted. These types of MPAs are rare; sometimes occur in research only zones.
- No Access: MPAs that restrict all access to the area. Also, very rare and may only be used for research purposes
The Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is MPA is distinguished by its remarkable seafloor features, including over 47 underwater mountains, known as seamounts, and all of Canada’s known confirmed hydrothermal vents. These features create unique deep-sea biological hotspots that sustain rare and culturally significant deep-water species.
In addition to designating this MPA under the Canada’s Oceans Act, each partner First Nation has advanced their own process to designate the area. Ensuring full protection of this important area has been a collaborative effort centered on marine protection and reconciliation.