Underwater Mountains off the Coast of B.C. Now Permanently Protected - Oceana Canada

Victory | July 11, 2024

Underwater Mountains off the Coast of B.C. Now Permanently Protected

Canada has designated 133,017km2 of underwater mountains, known as seamounts, off the West Coast of Vancouver Island as its newest and largest Marine Protected Area (MPA).  Named Tang. ɢwan · ḥačxʷiqak · Tsig̱is, this new MPA will be co-managed by the Haida, Nuu-chah-nulth, Pacheedaht and Quatsino First Nations. The MPA covers 2.31% of Canada’s marine area, increasing the total protection of the ocean off the coast of Canada to more than 15.54%. Oceana Canada has been advocating for the protection of these vital underwater ecosystems since 2018 including conducting an expedition with several partners to better understand this area and contribute to its protection. The Tang. ɢwan · ḥačxʷiqak · Tsig̱is MPA will prevent activities such as bottom-contact fishing and dumping, safeguarding centuries-old forests of red tree corals, glass sponges, and the myriad species that depend on these habitats.