An expansive national marine conservation reserve is being established on the Central Coast of British Columbia, covering an area larger than Prince Edward Island. The protected region, known as Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon, is the result of a collaborative agreement between six coastal First Nations, as well as the provincial and federal governments. Covering approximately 6,700 square kilometers, the reserve will be overseen by Parks Canada in partnership with Indigenous and federal entities.
Situated within the Great Bear Sea, a diverse marine ecosystem that encompasses over half of British Columbia’s coastline, the new conservation area features glass sponge reefs, salmon, killer whales, and migrating humpback whales. While all fisheries, except for bottom trawling, will be permitted within the area, the reserve marks the sixth of its kind in Canada and the second in British Columbia following the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, which spans about 1,500 square kilometers.
The boundaries of the marine reserve, stretching from Gil Island in the north to Calvert Island in the south and extending inland to Bella Coola, are still being finalized. The six Indigenous partners—Wuikinuxv, Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Heiltsuk, Gitxaała, and Gitga’at Nations—have designated the area as an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area, granting them a significant role in conservation efforts through Indigenous governance. The name of the area, meaning “realm of the salmon, home of the salmon,” reflects its significance.
According to federal officials, marine conservation reserves hold a unique status as they fall within territories subject to Indigenous land claims, with potential status changes based on the resolution of these claims. The official establishment of Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon will be carried out under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act, a process expected to span several years.
The next phase of the agreement involves establishing a collective management board and a zoning plan to outline permissible activities within the area, aiming to support ongoing fishing and tourism operations. A joint news release from Parks Canada, the Fisheries Department, and the First Nations partners emphasizes that the establishment of this protected area will foster the flourishing of marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and culturally significant values. Additionally, it is intended to benefit Indigenous and coastal communities, as well as various marine sectors such as fisheries that rely on a healthy ocean.
The Fisheries Department will retain responsibility for managing and enforcing regulations within the area, while Federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin highlights that the conservation area aligns with the government’s objective to conserve 30 percent of Canada’s marine and coastal waters by 2030.