Aperçu biophysique et écologique des zones du réseau au large de Haida Gwaii

Abstract

The Offshore Haida Gwaii Network Zones were delineated as part of the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network planning process and represent candidate areas of importance to protect by the network partners (Canada, Province of British Columbia (BC), Council of the Haida Nation and 14 other First Nations in BC). This Biophysical and Ecological Overview summarizes the knowledge and existing data available on the ecosystems present within seven offshore zones in close proximity to X̲aadáa Gwáay X̲aaydaɢ̲a Gwaay.yaay Haida Gwaii to inform the potential creation of a marine protected area. The report summarizes the physical and biological oceanography, ecological diversity, human use, and conservation value of the seven zones that make up the Offshore Haida Gwaii Network Zones. It additionally synthesizes the available knowledge to highlight known and potential connectivity among zones within the Offshore Haida Gwaii Network Zones, as well as the contributions of the zones to the whole proposed Marine Protected Area Networks for the Northern Shelf Bioregion. Data presented in this report incorporate information gathered in the data compilation step of the MPA network planning process, in addition to regionally specific data and knowledge. The information came from annual research surveys, expert opinion, ecological and oceanographic model outputs, published literature, and Haida knowledge. Key ecosystem components described within the report include complex benthic terrain, rocky outcrops, seamounts and mud volcanoes, and high taxonomic diversity, including invertebrates, groundfishes, elasmobranchs, X̲edíit Siigaay x̲idid marine birds and mammals. Furthermore, the report includes a synopsis of some predicted changes in the region under two climate change scenarios. The information presented and referenced here can also inform the development of research, management and monitoring plans should the zones be established as Marine Protected Areas under Canada’s Oceans Act.