Marine Protected Areas DFO

III II I III 1 III I I II II GABRIOLA PASSAGE Gabriola Passage is located in the of , offshore from the city of . It is delineated by , , Breakwater Island, and the Flat Top Island Group. Drumbeg Provincial Park is located on Gabriola Island, extending to the shoreline of the Passage. The area is known for its abundance and diversity of marine life. To date, a total of 230 species of algae, sponges, mollusks, sea stars, crustaceans, worms, fishes and marine mammals have been identified inhabiting the area. According to anecdotal evidence, the area was once Photo: Paul Preston known to possess record-size ling cod and more abundant numbers of large marine species. Many tidal pools exist along the Gabriola Island portion of the Passage, providing important shelter for a variety of marine life found in the region. However, it is interesting to note that the geoduck and red sea urchin are fished commercially and continue to thrive in the area. Gabriola Passage is within a region of industrial activity and development. Through focused management of the Gabriola Passage, present populations of marine life will be able to thrive and grow.

A considerable amount of information has already been compiled on the area. For example, in 1993, the Marine Life Sanctuary Society prepared a report entitled, "Achieving True Marine Protected Status for Gabriola Passage", outlining important biological, biophysical and stakeholder information. In establishing the area as a pilot Marine Protected Area under 's Oceans Act, Fisheries and Oceans Canada will work with others to compile additional scientific and socio-economic information. The pilot MPA process will aid in determining the boundary and degree of recommended protection for the area. Consultations held to date have shown that protecting Gabriola Passage and its potential selection as a pilot MPA have been well received by a wide cross-section of the community.

Some elements to be tested at Gabriola Passage include: • developing a draft management plan in a nearshore area with numerous , marine stakeholders and community interests; • testing monitoring protocols for assessing the ecological health of the area; • developing partnering and co-operative management arrangements; and, Gabriola Passage • ensuring co-ordination among agencies or governments involved in the Marine Protected Area Pilot O '1 development of the MPA Strategy for the Pacific coast of Canada.

For further information, please contact: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Oceans Directorate, Pacific Region, 350-555 West Hastings Street, , BC V6B 5G3 Tel: (604) 666-7971 Fax: (604) 666-8956 http://www.oceansconservation.com

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