Canada’s largest Marine Protected Area is officially designated
A large and ecologically unique ocean area located approximately 150 kilometres (93 miles) off the west coast of Vancouver Island is now Canada’s largest Marine Protected Area (MPA). The Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is is a 133,017-square-kilometre (51,383-square-mile) area that features more than 47 (upwards of 70%) of Canada’s underwater mountains called seamounts. The MPA also contains all the confirmed hydrothermal vents in Canada, which as submerged biological “hotspots” support unique and rare deep-water species.
The Government of Canada made the announcement July 11th in conjunction with the Council of the Haida Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Pacheedaht First Nation, and Quatsino First Nation.
“Working collaboratively with partner First Nations to cooperatively manage and designate the Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is MPA signifies our joint commitment to preserve ecologically and culturally important marine and coastal areas,” says the Hon. Diane LeBouthillier, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which is a Green Marine supporter. “The designation of this MPA brings us halfway to our goal of conserving 30% of our oceans by 2030.”
The MPA’s name consists of a Haida word meaning deep ocean (Tang.ɢwan: phonetic spelling: Tung-Gwun), a Nuu-chah-nulth and Pacheedaht word meaning deepest part of the ocean (ḥačxwiqak; phonetic spelling: huch/khwi/kuk) and a Quatsino word referring to a monster of the deep (Tsig̱is; phonetic spelling: tsee-geese).
Formerly known as the Offshore Pacific Area of Interest, this deep-water region was first identified for protection in May 2017 and measures to prevent certain fishing activities were subsequently put in place.
In addition to its MPA designation under Canada’s Oceans Act, each partnering First Nation has advanced its own process to designate the area for marine protection.