Iid ‘Waadluxan Tang.Gwan T’alang Tllxanda ga • Síigee aauu tl’a ‘Wáadlwaan HlGajagang We all take care of the ocean

The Council of the Haida Nation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and Ocean Networks Canada are mounting a three-week expedition to monitor and learn more about deep-sea ecosystems within several existing and proposed marine protected areas (MPAs), including sites to be designated as part of the Marine Protected Area network process and revisiting Sɢaan K̲inghlas Bowie seamount situated offshore from Haida Gwaii. 

CHN’s Marine Biologist/Planner, Skil Jáada Vanessa Zahner is part of the expedition team aboard the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) John P. Tully conducting research activities and posting stories and photos of the expedition and life aboard the vessel. 

Research activities taking place aboard the CCGS John P. Tully include mapping and collecting ocean data and samples at various unique deep-sea habitats, increase public awareness and support for ongoing protection of these culturally, ecologically and biologically important marine areas. In addition, high-definition video will be captured by Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).  

Seamounts, cold seeps and hydrothermal vents are deep-sea biodiversity hotspots and are ideal for coral and sponge growth, in turn providing nursery and feeding habitats 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 establishment of a Marine Protected Area Network in the Northern Shelf Bioregion. 

From June 7 – 28, 2022, you can take part in the daily activities through livestream video footage of the environment with updates from the expedition team – posted on the expedition webpage.  

The Haida Nation joins: 

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council 

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) advances and protects the Ha-ha-hoolthee (Chiefly territories) of the Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih (Hereditary Chiefs) while advancing Nuu-chah-nulth culture, language, beliefs and way of life. Uu-a-thluk is an aquatic resource management organization administered through the NTC that works with Nuu-chah-nulth Nations to manage aquatic resources consistent with Nuu-chah-nulth practices and principles and increase Nuu-chah-nulth access to sea resources and involvement in sea resource management. 

Ocean Networks Canada 

Ocean Networks Canada, an initiative of the University of Victoria, operates world-leading ocean observatories that bring data to the surface, accelerating scientific discovery and delivering solutions that support ocean-and-planet sustainability for future generations. We work with our partners to deliver real-time, continuous, open data from over 9000 ocean sensors on cabled, mobile, and community-based observing networks that monitor the Northeast Pacific, Northwest Atlantik and the Arctic coasts. 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Science At – Sea Program 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Science at-Sea Program has science teams working with communities, partners, like the Haida Nation, and the Canadian Coast Guard to carry out research to monitor, conserve and protect the marine environment.This expedition focuses on deep-sea habitats within existing and proposed marine protected areas, including Sɢaan K̲inghlas – Bowie Seamount and the proposed Tang.ɢwan • ḥačxʷiqak • Tsigis Marine Protected Area (Pacific Offshore Area of Interest). 

Links to related resources: 

• Sɢ̲aan K̲inghlas aauu tlʹa ʹwáadluwan hlɢ̲ajagang  We all take care of Sɢ̲aan K̲inghlas 
• Encountering Mysterious Mountains… Under Water | Council of the Haida Nation 
• Tang.ɢwan Siiwaay Kuuyada Dii (Xaayda kil) | Siigee tla Kagandangs Protecting the Ocean | Council of the Haida Nation
• Northeast Pacific Deep-Sea Diversity Expedition Webpage