ENCOUNTERING MYSTERIOUS MOUNTAINS … UNDER WATER

The Haida Nation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Oceana Canada and Ocean Networks Canada are mounting a sixteen-day expedition to learn more about the SGaan Kinghlas, Dellwood and Explorer seamounts situated near Haida Gwaii.

Haida Nation Intern Marine Biologist, Jaasaljuus (JJ) Yakgujanaas , will be joining the crew aboard the Ocean Exporation Trust’s E/V Nautilus assisting with research activities and posting stories and photos of expedition discoveries and life aboard the vessel.

Research activities taking place aboard the E/V Nautilus include collecting scientific data and samples as well as establish monitoring sites on all three seamounts and installing long-term ocean monitoring instruments on Dellwood. In addition, high-definition video will be captured by Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs). From July 5-21, 2018, you can take part in the daily activities through livestream video footage of the environment with updates from the expedition team – posted at ProtectOceans.ca.

Seamounts are offshore biodiversity hotspots and are ideal for coral and sponge growth, in turn providing nursery and foraging habitat important for fish populations and other marine life. Research from this expedition will help us better understand this critical marine habitat and support management of these areas, including the implementation of additional protection measures.

The Haida Nation joins:

Oceana Canada

Oceana Canada was established in 2015 and is part of the largest international advocacy group (Oceana Inc., founded in 2001)) dedicated solely to ocean conservation.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Science At-Sea Program

Fisheries and Oceans Canada conducts more than 130 science missions year-round. This expedition focuses on seamounts within a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and a new Area of Interest (AOI) that is intended to become one of Canada’s largest MPAs by 2020.

Ocean Networks Canada

Ocean Networks Canada is an initiative of the University of Victoria, monitors the west and east coasts and Arctic to deliver data in real-time for scientific research.