Today, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, President of the Council of the Haida Nation, and The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, officially announced the creation of two new marine refuges in Haida Gwaii: G̱aw Ḵáahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii. These refuges will help protect several species of salmon and seabirds, their habitats, as well as other ecologically and culturally significant species such as herring and harbour seals.
Building on nearly two decades of marine planning led by the Haida Nation, the joint designation of the G̱aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii marine refuges complements the ongoing implementation of the Haida Gwaii Marine Plan and the objectives outlined in the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area Network Action Plan. The two refuges are among three new sites created under the Great Bear Sea Initiative through the Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) model, advancing Indigenous-led marine conservation and reconciliation on Canada’s west coast.
The G̱aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuges will be co-managed by the Council of the Haida Nation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. They protect areas of high cultural and ecological value, while supporting local food security and marine conservation across the Haida Gwaii archipelago.
The recognition of these new marine refuges reflects Canada’s commitment to ocean conservation, moving the country closer to its goal of protecting 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030.
Quotes
Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, President, Council of the Haida Nation
“G̱aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii hold deep significance for the Haida Nation. Guided by knowledge shared by Elders and knowledge holders during the study on traditional knowledge for the Haida National Marine Conservation Area, these inlets were identified as important areas to protect. They are home to a rich diversity of life, including all species of salmon (ts.íin | chiina), herring (íinang | iinang), and many others that are vital to local and Haida food security. These important species instill in us a sense of responsibility — Gin ‘laa hl isdaa.uu | ʹLaa guu ga k̲anhllns — to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the ocean’s abundance.”
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
“Protecting our marine environment is a top priority for the Government of Canada, as is our commitment to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP Act). In partnership with the Council of the Haida Nation, these new marine refuges mark an important milestone under the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence initiative. They will help safeguard the Northern Shelf Bioregion, support sustainable fisheries, and leave a strong legacy for those who depend on these waters today and in the future.”
Quick Facts
- In June 2024, partners working to protect the Great Bear Sea achieved a major milestone by signing three key agreements:
- Launch of the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence: Seventeen First Nations, the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and Coast Funds joined forces to create a long-term financing model to support Indigenous-led conservation efforts in the region.
- Marine Protected Area Network Agreement: Seventeen First Nations, including the Council of the Haida Nation, along with Canada and British Columbia, signed an agreement to collaborate on the planning and management of the Great Bear Sea Marine Protected Area Network within the Northern Shelf Bioregion.
- Haida Nation MPA Agreement: The Council of the Haida Nation, Canada, and British Columbia signed the Haida Nation Marine Protected Areas Agreement, establishing a framework for joint governance in creating and managing protected marine areas in Haida Gwaii waters.
- The two new marine refuges add a total of 29.58 km² of protected ocean area toward Canada’s marine conservation targets:
- G̱aw Ḵáahlii Marine Refuge: 22.42 km²
- X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuge: 7.16 km²
- A marine refuge is a long-term fishing closure established under the Fisheries Act to help protect important species, their habitats, and associated ecosystems. It is recognized as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM).
