Home / Environment / BC Coast Becomes Giant Marine Sanctuary
BC Coast Becomes Giant Marine Sanctuary
23 May
Summary
- Massive marine conservation reserve established on B.C.'s Central Coast.
- Area named Mia-yaltwa Ha'lidzogm hoon, larger than Prince Edward Island.
- Agreement involves six coastal First Nations and provincial/federal governments.
A significant marine conservation reserve, Mia-yaltwa Ha'lidzogm hoon, is being established on British Columbia's Central Coast. This protected area, larger than Prince Edward Island, is a collaborative effort between six coastal First Nations and the provincial and federal governments.
The reserve is situated within the Great Bear Sea, a vital marine ecosystem. Fisheries, except for bottom trawling, will continue in the area. The agreement grants the six Indigenous partners a key role in conservation management through Indigenous governance.
This new conservation area is Canada's sixth of its kind and the second in British Columbia. Its establishment will be formalized under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act, a process expected to take several years. The goal is to conserve marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and culturally important values while supporting coastal communities and marine sectors.
