HAIDA GWAII, BC, Oct. 17, 2025/ CNW/ – Today, the President of the Haida Country, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, and the Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, officially revealed 2 marine sanctuaries on Haida Gwaii: G̱aw Ḵáahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii. The marine sanctuaries will secure numerous types of salmon, sea birds and their environment, and other essential types such as herring and harbour seals.
Structure upon almost 20 years of Haida Nation-led marine preparation, the joint acknowledgment of the G̲aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuges matches the continuous execution of the Haida Gwaii Marine Strategy and the goals described in the Northern Rack Bioregion Marine Protected Location (MPA) Network Action Strategy. The marine sanctuaries are 2 of 3 brand-new websites developed under the Great Bear Sea Job Financing for Permanence effort to advance reconciliation and Indigenous-led marine preservation on the west coast of Canada
G̲aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuges will be co-managed by Council of the Haida Country (CHN) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). They secure locations of cultural and eco-friendly significance, and assistance preservation and regional food security on Haida Gwaii.
Acknowledgment of the G̲aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuges shows Canada’s dedication to marine preservation and brings the Federal government of Canada closer to attaining its objective of securing 30 percent of marine and seaside locations by 2030.
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” G̲aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii hold excellent significance to the Haida Country. Assisted by understanding shared by Elders and understanding holders throughout the Haida Marine Standard Understanding Research Study, G̲aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii were determined as crucial locations to secure. These inlets support an abundant variety of life, consisting of all types of ts.íin|chiina salmon, íinang|iinang herring and numerous others that are necessary for Haida and regional food security. Due to the fact that of this, we have a sense of Gin ‘laa hl isdaa.uu|ʹLaa guu ga k̲anhllns Duty to make sure future generations have the ability to continue to delight in the bounties of the ocean.”
Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, President, Council of Haida Country
” Safeguarding our marine environment is an essential concern for the Federal government of Canada as are our dedications in carrying out the United Nations Statement on the Rights of Native Peoples Act (UNDA). Operating in collaboration with the Council of the Haida Country, these brand-new marine sanctuaries are a concrete action under the Great Bear Sea Job Financing for Permanence. They will protect the Northern Rack Bioregion, assistance sustainable harvests, and leave a strong tradition for individuals who depend on these waters today and in the years ahead.”
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
Quick Realities
- In June 2024, partners working to secure the Great Bear Sea reached a significant turning point by signing 3 crucial contracts:
- Release of the Great Bear Sea Job Financing for Permanence (PFP): 17 Very First Countries, the Federal Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and Coast Funds came together to introduce a long-lasting financing effort to support Indigenous-led preservation efforts in the area.
- Marine Protected Location Network Arrangement: 17 Very first Countries– consisting of the Council of the Haida Country– together with Canada and the Province of British Columbia, signed a contract to collaborate to strategy and handle the Great Bear Sea Marine Protected Location Network in the Northern Rack Bioregion.
- Haida Country MPA Arrangement: The Council of the Haida Country, Canada, and the Province of British Columbia signed the Haida Country MPA arrangement to direct co-governance in the facility and management marine secured locations Haida Gwaii waters.
- The marine sanctuaries include 29.58 km 2 of secured ocean location towards Canada’s Marine Preservation Targets:
- G̱aw Ḵáahlii Marine Haven: 22.42 km 2
- X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Haven: 7.16 km 2
- A marine haven is a long-lasting fisheries-area closure developed under the Fisheries Act to assist secure essential types, their environments, and environments. A marine haven is acknowledged as an Other Effective Area-Based Preservation Step (OECM).
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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Area