Canada’s Largest Marine Protected Area Established

The Government of Canada, in collaboration with coastal 1st Nations, has designated Tang.ɢwan - ḥačxwiqak - Tsig̱is as Canada’s largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) under the Oceans Act.

This vast territory, located approximately 150 km off the west coast of Vancouver Island, spans 133,017 square km & is an essential spot for Canadian marine conservation activities.

The Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is MPA has unique deep-sea features, including over 47 underwater mountains & all documented hydrothermal vents in Canada.

These ecologically diverse “hotspots” are home to uncommon deep-water species that are essential to local biodiversity and have cultural significance for the participating First Nations.

The initial efforts to safeguard this region began in 2017 when it was designated as a Conservation area of Interest.

Subsequent measures, including fishing restrictions, culminated in its formal designation as an MPA, which was confirmed by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023.

The Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is MPA designation advances Canada’s goal of conserving 30% of its oceans by 2030.