The Great Bear Sea is next to the sacred Great Bear Rainforest. Located off the North and Central Coasts of BC, the area includes Haida Gwaii and the waters around Northern Vancouver Island. Also known as the Northern Shelf Bioregion, these abundant offshore islands, rocky shorelines and deep fjords are home to iconic wildlife. Every summer, migrating humpback whales come to feed in these rich waters. Both Bigg’s and Northern Resident killer whales cruise through the Great Bear Sea. Once hunted to extinction from BC, reintroduced sea otters are bouncing back and helping bring back balance to ecosystems. Healthy kelp forests, seagrass meadows, and glass sponge reefs provide shelter for marine life like rockfish and shrimp. This rich stretch of ocean helps fight climate change by storing blue carbon.
Indigenous Peoples have stewarded the Great Bear Sea since time before memory. These waters have supported vibrant societies and cultures for thousands of years. Indigenous Peoples continue to lead the stewardship of healthy coastal waters now and for generations to come. Care and respect for nature is woven through many cultural values. Responsible management of the coast ensures sustainable resources and local food security.
The Great Bear Sea is next to the sacred Great Bear Rainforest. Located off the North and Central Coasts of BC, the area includes Haida Gwaii and the waters around Northern Vancouver Island. Also known as the Northern Shelf Bioregion, these abundant offshore islands, rocky shorelines and deep fjords are home to iconic wildlife. Every summer, migrating humpback whales come to feed in these rich waters. Both Bigg’s and Northern Resident killer whales cruise through the Great Bear Sea. Once hunted to extinction from BC, reintroduced sea otters are bouncing back and helping bring back balance to ecosystems. Healthy kelp forests, seagrass meadows, and glass sponge reefs provide shelter for marine life like rockfish and shrimp. This rich stretch of ocean helps fight climate change by storing blue carbon.
Indigenous Peoples have stewarded the Great Bear Sea since time before memory. These waters have supported vibrant societies and cultures for thousands of years. Indigenous Peoples continue to lead the stewardship of healthy coastal waters now and for generations to come. Care and respect for nature is woven through many cultural values. Responsible management of the coast ensures sustainable resources and local food security.
Working Together to Create Canada’s First Marine Protected Area Network
Now the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss threaten these rich waters’ ability to provide for the future. Overharvesting, destructive fishing, and pollution are mounting pressure and adding excess stress. Marine protected areas can act as an insurance policy to keep marine life healthy in the face of a changing ocean. These designations grant refuge from harmful human activities. When we protect the oceans, we’re not only protecting nature. We’re also supporting healthy, sustainable, local economies along the coast.
For over a decade, 17 First Nations in partnership with the federal and provincial governments, have been working together to create Canada’s first network of marine protected areas to safeguard the Great Bear Sea. The MPA network aims to protect marine wildlife and First Nations’ cultural conservation priorities.
Working Together to Create Canada’s First Marine Protected Area Network
Now the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss threaten these rich waters’ ability to provide for the future. Overharvesting, destructive fishing, and pollution are mounting pressure and adding excess stress. Marine protected areas can act as an insurance policy to keep marine life healthy in the face of a changing ocean. These designations grant refuge from harmful human activities. When we protect the oceans, we’re not only protecting nature. We’re also supporting healthy, sustainable, local economies along the coast.
For over a decade, 17 First Nations in partnership with the federal and provincial governments, have been working together to create Canada’s first network of marine protected areas to safeguard the Great Bear Sea. The MPA network aims to protect marine wildlife and First Nations’ cultural conservation priorities.
Existing marine protected areas potential for a connected marine protected areas in the Great Bear Sea
Now it’s time for us all to connect the dots. We’ve seen MPA networks work in other parts of the world; now it’s BC’s turn to level up for our coast. By adding many smaller protected areas to neighbouring hotspots, the network can link important marine habitats. The benefits of a single MPA will spillover and amplify beyond the protected borders. MPA networks are more comprehensive and safeguard ocean biodiversity more effectively than individual sites.
Share your Support for Canada’s First MPA Network
Right now we need your help to share support for the completion of the network of marine protected areas. MPAs and networks provide refuge for ocean life to thrive and also benefit people by supporting sustainable industries, local economies, and coastal communities.
Tell the MPA Network partners that the network must have strong protections and meet minimum standards to support both the people and marine life who depend on these waters.
There will be public webinars, open houses and online surveys. Please visit MPAnetwork.ca to learn how you can share your support for the MPA network.
NEW! Learn more about the Great Bear Sea by visiting: ourgreatbearsea.ca
Learn More
Check out our Site by Site series on the Great Bear Sea Marine Protected Area Network
Biodiversity is the rich variety of life on Earth, from genes to wild ecosystems, and it can encompass all nature and culture that sustains life.
The world is facing a biodiversity crisis. Decades of climate change and unchecked industrial development pushes nature’s limits. British Columbia is on the frontlines of the fight to protect our remaining wild land and seascapes, and the plants and animals that depend on them.
We have a choice: take bold action to defend against the decline of species, or watch as iconic animals like caribou and orca vanish forever. With your help, CPAWS-BC is helping governments make the best decision.
Biodiversity Day 2021 celebrates being part of the solution #ForNature. From nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can build back better.
CPAWS-BC has a plan to stem the nature emergency and ensure healthy ecosystems now and forever. When nature thrives, so do we.
Here’s three ways BC is part of the solution #ForNature.
Indigenous-led Conservation
Indigenous-managed lands and water play a critical role in helping species survive.Research shows the total numbers of birds, plants, fish and wildlife were thehighest on lands managed or co-managed by Indigenous communities. Our Indigenous partners help incorporate Indigenous Knowledge into every aspect of our work. On the path to Canada’s goal of protecting 25% of lands, freshwater and ocean by 2025, provincial and federal governments commit to helping establish Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs).
We all truly need to work together. We are in a deep biodiversity crisis, we’re in a water crisis, we’re in a climate crisis. We really need to rely on Indigenous teachings in order to help protect these beautiful lands and waters.
– Annita Mcphee, Executive Director (Read the full interview in The Narwhal)
Today, about 15.5% of BC’s lands and inland waters are fully protected under legislated protected areas, with 4% falling into the category of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).
BC has a leading role to play to help reach commitments to protecting 25% of Canada’s land and ocean by 2025 and 30% by 2030.
“Expanding protected areas is essential for the future of British Columbia. Healthy ecosystems and intact forests don’t just exist for wildlife. Our communities need protected areas for sustainable livelihoods, human health, cultural values, and to ensure a livable future.” – Jessie Corey, Terrestrial Conservation Manager.
Thanks to our supporters and partners, we’ve made great strides to protect large parks, protected areas and wildlife corridors like Tatshenshini, Muskwa Kechika,Gwaii Haanas (the southern tip of Haida Gwaii), and the Scott Islands.
Let’s keep this momentum going. In April, Canada announced an historic investment for nature that will protect and restore forest, grassland, and wetlands.
Bold investments like these can propel conservation in BC on the path to 25 percent land and water protection by 2025, and 30% by 2030:
The Deepsea Oasis off the west coast of Vancouver Island will protect unique deep sea ecosystems and cover almost 2.5% of Canada’s ocean.
Led by Indigenous communities, Canada’s first MPA network along BC’s north and central coasts will protect whales and other migrating ocean animals while also ensuring healthy coastal communities for generations.
The proposed Dene Kʼéh Kusān protected area in Kaska territory promises to protect an intact wilderness area larger than Vancouver Island.
Collaboration between First Nations, environmental groups and governments offers a hopeful path forward for better conservation.
Last year, Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations announced a partnership agreement with BC and Canada to protect and recover caribou in the Peace Region.
“We have no time to waste with the rampant global biodiversity crisis and declining wildlife populations across the province. CPAWS-BC is looking forward to working collaboratively with the coalition partners and all levels of government to improve the state of the lands, waters and wildlife across BC.” – Tori Ball, Senior Campaigner.
This Biodiversity Day, join the thousands of BCers defending biodiversity. Sign-up to receive the latest updates, nature news and actions from CPAWS right to your inbox.
New survey finds winter won’t be putting a chill on recreation for British Columbians
Survey shows enthusiasm for winter activities but concerns about park preparedness.
Traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC — A new online survey from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – BC Chapter (CPAWS-BC) found that British Columbians expect busier parks and trails as more people head outdoors this winter. This new survey draws out concerns around long-standing issues created by years of underfunding coupled with increasing visitor numbers in BC’s provincial parks.
“This past summer we saw a spike in the demand for outdoor adventures, and all signs point to outdoor enthusiasts across the province keeping the good times outside rolling this winter,” says Tori Ball, Terrestrial Campaigner with CPAWS-BC. “It’s essential that we make sure people can access parks and trails safely as the outdoors continue to provide comfort and joy through a challenging holiday and winter season.”
Key findings of CPAWS-BC’s new survey include:
People expect busier parks this winter: A majority (58%) of people anticipate parks will be busier this season
24% of respondents said that, given travel restrictions, they’re going to try a new winter activity this season. The most popular new activities were cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Respondents said they were either somewhat, quite or extremely concerned about these top issues:
70% of people were concerned about their fellow park visitors being underprepared for winter conditions.
64% of people were concerned about limited enforcement of public health and park rules.
60% of people were concerned about search and rescue teams becoming too busy.
More education and information are key to success: Among the top recommendations to improve safety are more staff in parks, better signage and more education to the general public about conditions, risks and proper gear.
Winter brings shorter days, avalanche risk, as well as cold and quickly changing temperatures, which means that recreation comes with considerably more risk to unprepared visitors than summer adventures.
Ball continues, “long term lack of funding of our parks has left them ill-equipped to handle crowds at the best of times. It is critical that we get more staff into parks to promote safety and make sure visitor infrastructure is in place, and avoid putting more pressure on volunteer search and rescue teams.”
This survey was conducted online between December 2 and 6. Responses were collected from 1058 British Columbians, with a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of plus or minus (±) 3%.
CPAWS-BC continues to advocate for increased funding to improve the management and increase staffing essential to a robust and healthy provincial park system.
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For interviews, contact: Tori Ball, Terrestrial Campaigner, CPAWS-BC tori@cpawsbc.org (604) 685-7445 x24
Resources
About CPAWS
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only nationwide charity dedicated solely to the protection of our public land, ocean, and freshwater, and ensuring our parks and protected areas are managed to protect nature. Since 1963, CPAWS has played a leading role in protecting over half a million square kilometers. Our vision is to protect at least half of Canada’s public land and water in a framework of reconciliation – for the benefit of wildlife and people.
The CPAWS British Columbia chapter (CPAWS-BC) works to protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Nature is BC’s best hope. Visit: cpawsbc.org | Follow: @CPAWSbc
Safeguarding millions of migrating seabirds from around the world
The Scott Islands marine National Wildlife Area (mNWA) off the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island is a global hub for migratory birds. Over one million seabirds nest in colonies on the marine protected area’s (MPA) five stormy, foggy, and rocky islands. Outside of the breeding season, millions of seabirds from across the Pacific Ocean feed in the surrounding rich waters. Internationally recognized as an important bird area, it provides important habitat for:
90% of Canada’s tufted puffins
95% of Pacific Canada’s common murres
50% of the world’s Cassin’s auklets
7% of the world’s rhinoceros auklets
But it’s not only a home for seabirds. These waters provide habitat for cod, sablefish, flatfishes, hake and herring. Seals, sea lions, whales and other marine mammals also call use the area throughout the year.
Over one million seabirds nest in colonies on the marine protected area’s islands
Safeguarding millions of migrating seabirds from around the world
The Scott Islands marine National Wildlife Area (mNWA) off the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island is a global hub for migratory birds. Over one million seabirds nest in colonies on the marine protected area’s (MPA) five stormy, foggy, and rocky islands. Outside of the breeding season, millions of seabirds from across the Pacific Ocean feed in the surrounding rich waters. Internationally recognized as an important bird area, it provides important habitat for :
90% of Canada’s tufted puffins
95% of Pacific Canada’s common murres
50% of the world’s Cassin’s auklets
7% of the world’s rhinoceros auklets
But it’s not only a home for seabirds. These waters provide habitat for cod, sablefish, flatfishes, hake and herring. Seals, sea lions, whales and other marine mammals also call use the area throughout the year.
Over one million seabirds nest in colonies on the marine protected area’s islands
Stronger Protections for the Scott Islands
However, this MPA is not strongly protected. Bottom trawling, a fishing method involving heavy nets that destroys seafloor habitat, is allowed in much of the MPA. Decades-old offshore oil and gas exploration permits still overlap with the wildlife area. Shipping traffic heavily transits through the area, dumping hazardous waste into the ocean.
In 2019, Canada committed to implementing minimum standards for MPAs prohibiting oil and gas activities, mining, dumping and bottom trawling. Applying these standards to the Scott Islands mNWA would go a long way to adequately safeguarding marine life and the ocean they depend on for survival.
However, this MPA is not strongly protected. Bottom trawling, a fishing method involving heavy nets that destroys seafloor habitat, is allowed in much of the MPA. Decades-old offshore oil and gas exploration permits still overlap with the wildlife area. Shipping traffic heavily transits through the area, dumping hazardous waste into the ocean.
In 2019, Canada committed to implementing minimum standards for MPAs prohibiting oil and gas activities, mining, dumping and bottom trawling. Applying these standards to the Scott Islands mNWA would go a long way to adequately safeguarding marine life and the ocean they depend on for survival.
