Two New Marine Refuges Protect Marine Biodiversity in Haida Gwaii, BC
For Immediate Release
Two New Marine Refuges Protect Marine Biodiversity in Haida Gwaii, B.C.
September 10, 2025 Haida Gwaii, British Columbia Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Today the President of the Haida Nation, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop and the Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, recognized the establishment of two marine refuges on Haida Gwaii: G̱aw Ḵáahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii. The marine refuges will protect multiple species of salmon, sea birds and their habitat, and other important species such as herring and harbour seals.
Building upon nearly two decades of Haida Nation-led marine planning, the joint designation of the G̲aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuges complements the ongoing implementation of the Haida Gwaii Marine Plan and the objectives outlined in the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area Network Action Plan.
G̲aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuges will be co-managed by Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). They protect areas of cultural and ecological significance, and support conservation and local food security on Haida Gwaii.
DFO’s designation of the G̲aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuges aligns with Canada’s legal framework and commitments for marine conservation. The marine refuges are two of three sites established since the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence initiative was signed in 2024. These marine refuges bring the Government of Canada closer to achieving its Marine Conservation Targets to protect 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030.
Quotes
"G̲aw Káahlii and X̲aana Kaahlii hold great significance to the Haida Nation. Guided by knowledge shared by Elders and knowledge holders during the Haida Marine Traditional Knowledge Study, G̲aw Káahlii and X̲aana Kaahlii were identified as key areas to protect. These inlets support a rich diversity of life, including all species of ts.íin | chiina salmon, íinang | iinang herring and many others that are important for Haida and local food security. Because of this, we have a sense of Gin 'laa hl isdaa.uu | ʹLaa guu ga k̲anhllns Responsibility to ensure future generations are able to continue to enjoy the bounties of the ocean."
Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, President, Council of Haida Nation
“Protecting our marine environment is a key priority for our government as are our commitments in implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA). Working in collaboration with Council of Haida Nation, these marine refuges protect the ocean and preserve this part of the unique Northern Shelf Bioregion for present and future generations.”
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
Quick Facts
· The Council of the Haida Nation, Canada and BC signed the Collaborative Governance Agreement for the Establishment and Management of Marine Protected Areas within the Northern Shelf Bioregion MPA Network (Great Bear Sea). The Haida Nation MPA Agreement will be used to support a consensus-based approach for establishing and managing individual MPA’s within the Haida Gwaii Sub-region and for advancing the MPA network as a whole.
· The marine refuges add 29.23 km2 of protected ocean area towards Canada’s Marine Conservation Targets:
· G̱aw Ḵáahlii Marine Refuge: 22.07 km2
· X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuge: 7.16 km2
Associated Links
· Council of the Haida Nation Marine Planning
· Council of the Haida Nation Fisheries Management Direction
· Marine refuges across Canada
Contacts
Ira Khedkar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries
Ira.Khedkar@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Gaad Gas Raven Ryland
Communications Manager
Council of the Haida Nation
250-559-4468
communications@haidanation.com
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