Underwater treasures to be protected

A new underwater area off the coast of Haida Gwaii has been added to the list of marine protected areas.

Bowie Seamount a rare and ecologically rich marine area was given protected status by the Federal Government, who will work in partnership with the Haida Nation and other community groups to manage the unique part of the ecological structure off the coast.

The Daily News featured a full report on the decision as part of its front page coverage of Tuesday afternoon.

TREASURED OFF-SHORE OASIS IS MADE A PROTECTED AREA
Underwater habitat will be preserved to protect rare species that call it home
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Pages one and three

The federal government has joined with local politicians in Skidegate to celebrate the designation of the Bowie Seamount as Canada's newest marine protected area.

The underwater mountain range 180 kilometres west of Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) is home to an enormous variety of aquatic and mammal species not found elsewhere in B.C.
"Bowie Seamount is an oceanic oasis in the deep sea, a rare and ecologically rich marine area, and our government is proud to take action to ensure it is protected," said Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. "By working in partnership with the Council of the Haida Nation and groups like the World Wildlife Fund-Canada, we are ensuring this unique treasure is preserved for future generations."

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will work together with the Haida Nation, community groups and an advisory team, including the province, to effectively manage Bowie Seamount under Canada's Federal Marine Protected Areas Strategy, and preserve the health of Canada's oceans and marine environment. The Haida people call the area Sgaan Kinghlas, meaning Supernatural Being Looking Outward.

"Sgaan Kinghlas represents a shift in recognizing the need for respect and care for the Earth. This is a very significant turning point in reversing the trends that have been leading to the depletion of life in the sea," said Guujaaw, president of the Council of the Haida Nation.

Bowie Seamount is one of the most biologically rich seamounts in the world, due to unique oceanographic conditions that support an abundance of microscopic plants and animals, which, in turn, have contributed to Bowie's diverse, complex ecosystem. It is fragile and vulnerable, however protecting it will contribute to its continued survival and that of its marine community, said Michele Patterson of WWF-Canada and a former Rupert resident who has been working to have the area protected.

"For many years, WWF-Canada has been working with partners to protect this unique, ecologically rich seamount," said Patterson, director of the Pacific Conservation Program for WWF-Canada.

"The designation of the Bowie Seamount Marine Protected Area is an excellent example of how conservation can be achieved through Federal and First Nations' governments, the province, resource users, and environmental organizations working together to protect important marine habitats both for today, and for our children tomorrow. We look forward to many more of these conservation successes in Canada," said Patterson.

Marine Protected Areas support conservation and protection of Canada's ocean and ocean resources. Other MPAs, established under the Oceans Act, include Endeavour Hydothermal Vents, 250 kilometres southwest of Vancouver Island, which represents one of the most exciting deep-water areas in the world.