New Protected Area: Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation Declares Gitdisdzu Lugyeks (Kitasu Bay) Marine Protected Area on the central coast
New Protected Area: Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation Declares Gitdisdzu Lugyeks (Kitasu Bay) Marine Protected Area on the central coast
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) celebrates the announcement by the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation last week on the establishment of a new marine protected area (MPA), Gitdisdzu Lugyeks (Kitasu Bay).
Nestled along the coast of the Great Bear Rainforest, this new MPA will protect 33.5 km2 of the ocean. The Gitdisdzu Lugyeks MPA includes essential marine ecosystems such as tidal lagoons, estuaries, and kelp forests. Seabirds, whales, salmon, herring, and shellfish depend on the area for food and shelter.
“We know these waters better than anyone, Kitasu Bay has been part of our home for thousands of years through to the present day,” says Hereditary Chief Nies’los (Kelly Robinson).
The draft management plan for the MPA outlines the stewardship vision for this marine area to ensure environmental, community, and cultural sustainability. It weaves together traditional Kitasoo Xai’xais knowledge and management practices, and the latest science-based marine research. The waters will continue to be monitored and cared for by the Kitasoo Xai’xais Watchmen, which recently announced a pilot program with BC Parks recognizing guardians with the same legal authority as BC park rangers. The Kitasoo Xai’xais Watchmen continue the work of their ancestors in protecting and managing coastal territories through stewardship, monitoring, and sustainable management.
The Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation is advancing Indigenous-led conservation by protecting these marine waters within their territory, which means they are also protecting their culture and heritage for generations to come. The Gitdisdzu Lugyeks MPA announcement brings renewed hope for growing marine protection coverage while nurturing Indigenous reconciliation through conservation.
A network of MPAs is also underway in the Great Bear Sea, officially known as the Northern Shelf Bioregion. This network would connect new and existing protections along the north and central coast.
Kate MacMillan
Ocean Conservation Manager, CPAWS-BC
Resources
- Press Release: Gitdisdzu Lugyeks (Kitasu Bay) MPA Declaration
- Draft: Gitdisdzu Lugyeks MPA Management Plan
- To learn more about Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation, visit www.klemtu.com
Background:
An MPA network in the Great Bear Sea will connect new and existing protections. All of these sites will contribute to the ongoing development of the MPA network, working together to safeguard ocean biodiversity:
- Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (NMCAR) and Haida Heritage Site, Hecate Strait Glass Sponge Reef MPA, and Scott island marine wildlife area.
- Last fall, the Mamalilikulla First Nation declared gwaxdłala (Lull Bay)/‘nalaxdłala (Hoeya Sound) an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) to protect unique marine life, cold-water corals and sponges in their Territory.
- The Kitasoo Xai’xais, Nuxalk, Heiltsuk, Wuikinuxv First Nations, Parks Canada, and the BC government are conducting a joint feasibility study for a National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (NMCAR) on the central coast.
However, the next phase of development for the MPA network is unclear without a clear timeline for the next critical phase, public consultation. It is vital that a public consultation takes place and British Columbians are given a clear and transparent timeline to have their voices heard. With the dual crises of climate catastrophes and species die-off, the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the provincial government must continue to work with coastal First Nations to complete the network.
Learn more about marine protected areas on the BC coast. Check out our interactive MPA 101 guide.