The reefs in this MPA are thought to be over 9, 000 years old! Once thought to be extinct, these incredible habitats are only found in NorthEast Pacific coastal waters. We will be collecting imagery of this southern reef to learn more about its condition and the diversity of the area. Our research also includes taking water samples for eDNA research and cores to better understand the carbon cycle in these incredible areas.

We will be exploring deep sites off the west coast of Haida Gwaii that are part of a proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network. The proposed MPA Network in the Haida Gwaii Subregion builds upon decades of work, including work with Elders and Knowledge Holders who participated to the Haida Marine Traditional Knowledge study and through engagement with Haida Citizens, Haida Gwaii residents, and stakeholders. The establishment of Haida Heritage Sites and protected areas continues to uphold Haida Values and Ways of Being.

A network of marine protected areas is a powerful and scientifically proven tool, which will contribute to improving species resilience, restoring abundance and improving ocean health. The proposed MPA Network sites will help to ensure that future generations will inherit the beauty and productivity of Tang.ɢ̲wan the Pacific Ocean.

We will be capturing the first imagery of these deep sites, documenting areas of pristine habitat and areas with suspected bottom-contact fishing.

Long before Raven brought light to the world, Supernaturals made their home in the sky, mountains, creeks, shoals and reefs of Haida Gwaii. SG̲áan K̲ínghlas means ‘Supernatural being looking upwards’ in G̲aw Tlagée X̲aad kíl, the Old Massett dialect of the Haida language, this Supernatural being made the seamount its home.

Located over 180 km from Haida Gwaii, the SK̲-B MPA includes three seamounts, their surrounding waters, seabed, and subsoil. The namesake seamount SG̲áan K̲ínghlas-Bowie rises from over 3, 000 m deep to with in just 24 m of the surface! There is an incredible diversity of life that ranges from shallow water species (algae!), deep water organisms, to pelagic fauna using the area as feeding grounds.

The Council of the Haida Nation designated the area as a X̲aads siigee tlʹa damaan tlʹa k̲ing giigangs Haida Marine Protected Area in 1997 and DFO designated it an Oceans Act MPA in 2008. Rooted in mutual respect and shared responsibility, the SK̲-B is co-governed by the Haida Nation and Canada through the SK̲-B Management Board.

Our research will focus on revisiting our long-term monitoring sites to document community differences in a changing ocean.

The Haida Nation and Kuuniisii ancestors have strong spiritual and cultural connections with all places and beings in Haida territories. This expedition will go to the NEPDEP 58* seamount, near G̲angx̲id Kun Cape St. James.

This very unique area provides habitats for all kinds of sea life, including an incredible coral garden that we discovered is a nursery ground for at least two different Ts’íit’aa | Ts’iiɢ̲a | skate species! Our final discovery suggested the seamount may have some hydrothermal activity making it slightly warmer than the surrounding water.

Our research will gather more data on the extent of the coral garden and nursery, contribute to a global population study of the Pacific White Skate, and use technology to further explore the hydrothermal flows of the seamount.

*NEPDEP 58 is a placeholder name for an incredible seamount that will be named by coastal First Nations.