BC’s North Coast Sees Creation of Three Indigenous-Led Marine Refuges

In a move that marks a significant step for Indigenous-led marine conservation, three new marine refuges have been officially established along British Columbia’s North Coast under the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence initiative.

Collaborating to Rebuild Fish Stocks

Designated under the Fisheries Act, marine refuges are long-term fisheries-area closures established to protect important species, habitats, and ecosystems. These refuges are recognized as “Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures” (OECMs) for their role in safeguarding the marine food web.

Led in partnership by the federal government and the Haida and Gitxaała First Nations, these refuges aim to enhnace coastal abundance by protecting critical habitats for a range of marine species, including salmon, herring, rockfish, and seabird populations. These protected areas will create the foundation for sustainable fisheries, while also marking a deeper commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous-led marine conservation on BC’s coast.

Haida Nation’s G̱aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuges

G̱aw Ḵáahlii (Masset Inlet) is home to salmon estuaries, kelp beds, herring spawning grounds, and killer whale habitat. It is also an important region for many migratory bird species. Photo credit: The Government of Canada

The President of the Haida Nation, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, and the Minister of Fisheries, Joanne Thompson, announced the official designation of two co-governed marine refuges in Haida Gwaii, G̱aw Ḵáahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii, on October 17.

According to the Haida Nation, the establishment of the G̱aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuges builds upon nearly two decades of Haida-led marine planning efforts across Haida Gwaii. The refuges complement the ongoing implementation of the Haida Gwaii Marine Plan and advance the objectives of the Great Bear Sea Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network, which they are a part of.

“These inlets support a rich diversity of life, including all species of salmon, herring, and many others that are important for Haida and local food security.”
Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, President of the Haida Nation

Together, the two new marine refuges in Haida Gwaii cover nearly 30 square kilometres of ocean. The G̱aw Ḵáahlii Marine Refuge spans 22.42 km², while the X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuge adds another 7.16 km² — a combined 29.58 km² contributing to Canada’s national marine conservation targets. These areas will be co-managed by the Haida Nation Council and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

“G̲aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii hold great significance to the Haida Nation. Guided by knowledge shared by Elders and knowledge holders during the Haida Marine Traditional Knowledge Study, G̲aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii were identified as key areas to protect,” said Alsop in a statement.

According to Alsop, “These inlets support a rich diversity of life, including all species of salmon, herring, and many others that are important for Haida and local food security.”

Haida traditional knowledge and marine-use planning inform a sustainable management approach that focuses on restorative abundance by protecting critical habitiat, such as nursery areas and feeding grounds, so salmon, herring, and rockfish stocks can naturally repopulate surrounding fishery zones.

“G̲aw K̲áahlii Marine Refuge will protect essential stopover habitat for many migratory birds, including Western Sandpipers, as well as killer whales, salmon, and other marine life that rely on the inlet.”
Dr. Jeff Wells, Vice President of Audubon’s Canada Program

Alsop stated the designations help fulfill the responsibility of ensuring “future generations are able to continue to enjoy the bounties of the ocean.”

This sentiment is reflected by Dr. Jeff Wells, vice president of Audubon’s Canada program: “G̲aw K̲áahlii Marine Refuge will protect essential stopover habitat for many migratory birds, including Western Sandpipers, as well as killer whales, salmon, and other marine life that rely on the inlet. The establishment of both marine refuges is a huge win for the Haida Nation and will benefit an abundance of wildlife for generations to come.”

These refuges are not about conservation for conservation’s sake. Instead, they have been designed and will be managed to create abundance, resulting in sustainable local fisheries for generations to come.

Gitxaała Nation’s Banks Marine Refuge

The Banks Marine Refuge fully overlaps three existing Rockfish Conservation Areas, expanding protections for declining rockfish populations. Photo credit: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

In a separate announcement, Chief Councillor Linda Innes of Gitxaała Nation and Joanne Thompson announced the establishment of the 436-square-kilometre Banks Marine Refuge, a new protected area in Nłuut’iksgm Laxyuubm Gitxaała (sacred Gitxaała Territory) on the north coast of British Columbia.

This refuge safeguards ancient coral gardens, eelgrass beds, and kelp forests that serve as spawning and   rearing habitats for  rockfish,  prawn, salmon, and other important species by restricting prawn and crab trap fisheries and tightening rockfish closures. The result is nearshore rebuilding zones where fish stocks recover, supporting future harvests.

“It is about responsible stewardship now, so that coastal communities and future generations can count on healthy waters tomorrow.”
Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries

Linda Innes, elected chief councillor of the Gitxaała Nation, underscored the significance of the agreement, saying it demonstrates what can be achieved when Canada works with Gitxaała “in a respectful and principled way.” She added that the Banks Marine Refuge represents “a step toward abundance, rooted in our stewardship responsibilities and Gitxaała Adaawx, Ayaawx, and Gugwilx’ya’ansk,” and contributes to the wider MPA Network in a way that upholds Gitxaała leadership.

Joanne Thompson said the agreement reflects how marine protection and reconciliation are deeply connected. “Protecting our marine environment goes hand-in-hand with advancing reconciliation. Working with the Gitxaała Nation, this step under the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence strengthens protection for a unique ecosystem and the livelihoods it supports,” she said. “It is about responsible stewardship now, so that coastal communities and future generations can count on healthy waters tomorrow.”

Innes and Thompson highlight the importance of the Banks Marine Refuge for creating abundance and providing livelihoods for future generations, illustrating the potential of marine refuges to rebuild fish stocks and support sustainable fisheries.

Commercial herring roe harvests around Haida Gwaii were shut down in the early 2000s due to weak stocks. Even with the long-standing moratorium, local populations have not recovered and remain in a low-spawning, low-biomass state. Photo credit: The Marine Detective

As with the two protected areas in Haida Gwaii, this refuge’s focus is on rebuilding fish stocks, mainitaining a strong marine food web, creating abundance, and establishing the conditions needed for long-term sustainable local fisheries.

These priorities directly coincide with the goals of the broader Great Bear Sea Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network, which, according to Heiltsuk Chief Councillor and president of Coastal First Nations K`áwáziɫ (Marilyn Slett), include “bring(ing) the resources back into abundance” and “sustain the economy into the future.”