Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound Glass Sponge Reef (17 fisheries area closures)

Location: Strait of Georgia Bioregion (British Columbia)
Approximate Size (km²) contribution to Marine Conservation Targets: 32.6 km²

Approximate % coverage contribution to Marine Conservation Targets: <0.01%
Conservation Objective: Protect glass sponge reefs

Ecological Components of Interest

Species of regional importance: reef-forming glass sponges

Why it is important: Glass sponge reefs are presently found only along the west coast of Canada and the United States. Reef-forming sponges are slow-growing and fragile, with skeletons made of silica, or glass.

Habitat that is important to biodiversity conservation: glass sponge reefs

Why it is important: Glass sponge reefs provide habitat for many ecologically and commercially important finfish and shellfish species, such as rockfish and spot prawns.

Prohibitions

The ecological components of interest are effectively conserved through the following prohibitions:

No commercial, recreational or Indigenous Food, Social and Ceremonial bottom-contact fishing activities are allowed within the areas indicated in the maps. This includes fishing for prawn, shrimp, crab, and groundfish (including halibut).

Note:

In the refuges represented by maps 10 to 17, the use of downrigger gear in recreational salmon trolling is also prohibited because of the potential risk of damage to shallow reefs.

Other Considerations

No human activities that are incompatible with the conservation of the ecological components of interest may occur or be foreseeable within the area.

Environmental Context

Sponge-dominated communities modify bottom currents, filter water, and create habitat. Glass sponge reefs provide a link between benthic (seafloor) and pelagic (water column) environments, play an important role in carbon and nitrogen processing, and act as reservoirs sequestering excess silica from the water column. Sponge reefs provide refuge, habitat, and nursery grounds for aquatic species.

Prohibition on bottom-contact gear can protect numerous species of fish and invertebrates that use the benthic area. In addition to protecting the fragile glass sponge reef structure directly, these closures also protect the services (i.e. refuge, habitat, food, nursery areas) that the reefs provide to many aquatic species including rockfish, sea stars, crabs, prawns and many benthic invertebrates.

Although a full understanding of the interactions between the sponge reef and the surrounding ecosystem requires further investigation the reefs hosting diverse and abundant aquatic species likely enhance species abundances and ecosystem functions of the areas beyond the glass sponge reef boundaries.

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