In May 2017, this deep-water ocean area was first identified for protection.
Government of Canada
The Council of the Haida Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Pacheedaht First Nation, Quatsino First Nation, and the Government of Canada announced the designation of Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is as a Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Therefore, this ecologically unique ocean area, located approximately 150 kilometers off the west coast of Vancouver Island, has become Canada's largest MPA designated under the Oceans Act by the Governor in Council.
The Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area, covering 133,017 square kilometers, includes more than 47 underwater mountains, known as seamounts.
Also, it includes all of the country's hydrothermal vents. Here rare and unique deep-sea species reside that are both remarkable and culturally significant, according to the Government.
In May 2017, this deep-water ocean area was first identified for protection and known as the Offshore Pacific Area of Interest. Subsequently, certain fishing activities were restricted.
Then in 2023, the Council of the Haida Nation, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Quatsino First Nation, Pacheedaht First Nation, and Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining how the parties will collaboratively manage the Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is MPA.
"Ensuring full protection of this important area has been a collaborative effort centered on marine protection and reconciliation," the Government assured.
According to a study on the effectiveness of MPAs, led by US-based nonprofit ocean conservation organization, the Marine Conservation Institute (MCI), governments are falling short on marine protection pledges.
A new analysis of the world’s largest 100 marine protected areas finds conservation efforts are undermined by implementation delays and failure to restrict harmful activities.