X̲aana K̲aahlii (Skidegate Inlet) marine refuge

On this page

• At-a-glance
• Biodiversity conservation benefits
• Ecosystem
• Related links

At-a-glance

Note:

This marine refuge is within the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area Network Action Plan (NAP). The implementation of the NAP will be advanced and supported by the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence initiative (endorsed in 2024 by 17 First Nations, the Province of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada). X̲aana K̲aahlii (Skidegate Inlet) is among the first of 3 marine refuges recognized under this initiative.

This marine refuge is co-managed by the Council of the Haida Nation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and aims to contribute to the identified goals of the NAP.

Location

Northern Shelf Bioregion (Haida Gwaii, British Columbia)

Size (km²) contribution to Marine Conservation Targets

About 7.16 km²

% coverage contribution to Marine Conservation Targets

About <0.01%

Date of recognition

03-11-2022

Establishment mechanism

• Variation Order under the Fisheries Act
• Fisheries Management Direction under the Council of the Haida Nation

Partner First Nation

Council of the Haida Nation

Biodiversity conservation benefits

Protection of ecologically and culturally important species and habitats, including multiple species of salmon, sea birds and their habitat, to contribute to long-term conservation and species biodiversity.

Species of regional importance

Salmon, seabirds, and other important species such as herring, Dungeness crab and shellfish.

This marine refuge will contribute to the conservation of a diversity of species, populations, and ecological communities, including species of importance to the Haida Nation.

Habitats of regional importance

Eelgrass, kelp beds, estuaries, salmon stream and estuaries, black oystercatcher nesting sites, and bird colonies (resident and migratory).

This marine refuge will contribute to the protection of species and ecosystems, such as kelp, eelgrass and estuaries that are critical for the life-cycle of many ecologically and culturally important species. Protection of these areas will increase resilience in these habitats to respond to other stressors (e.g., climate change).

Prohibitions

The biodiversity conservation benefits are provided through the following prohibitions:

• no commercial fishing activities are allowed within the areas indicated on the map
• no recreational fishing activities are allowed within the areas indicated on the map (with the exception of shore-based angling, which is permitted)

Other considerations

No human activities that pose risk to the biodiversity conservation benefits may occur or be foreseeable within the area.

Ecosystem

X̲aana K̲aahlii (Skidegate Inlet) is an ecologically and culturally important region that supports eelgrass beds, important regions for migratory bird species and nesting sites for many marine birds. There are:

• exposed and sheltered shorelines
• rocky and sandy beaches
• small islands and islets

Unique currents and tidal influence from the Pacific, and inflow of fresh water from the creeks and rivers create a unique environment abundant with life. There are many important fish-bearing estuaries and marine habitats.

Prohibition of fishing activities protects eelgrass beds, kelp forests and other habitats. These prohibitions can also protect the services (e.g., refuge, habitat, foraging, nursery) that these areas provide to many pelagic and benthic species.

Related links

• Council of the Haida Nation Fisheries Management Direction – X̲aana K̲aahlii (PDF, 753 KB)
• Council of the Haida Nation: Marine Planning
• Haida Gwaii Marine Plan
• Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network Action Plan in the Northern Shelf Bioregion (Great Bear Sea)
• Protecting more of our marine ecosystems together, for future generations | Prime Minister of Canada
• Indigenous-led marine conservation: Project Finance for Permanence