Atlas of the Pacific North Coast. Integrated Management Area

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Atlas of Pacifi the c North Coast Integratedc North Coast Management Area Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area

Contact For more information about PNCIMA, visit www.pncima.org or contact the PNCIMA Planning Ofﬁ ce at [email protected] Cover photo credits Background photo: Stephen Strathdee (North Coast of BC) From left to right, top to bottom: DFO Science (coldwater coral), Steve Diggon (community of Klemtu), Mark Hipfner (Common murre with Pacific sandlance), Steve Diggon (Bond Sound), Bessie Brown, Jeffrey Waibel (Giant kelp), Hilary Ibey (marine vessels)

This atlas was produced as a spatial reference document in support of planning processes associated with the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA) Initiative. ThePNCIMA Initiative’s aim is to ensure a healthy, safe, and prosperous ocean area by engaging all interested parties in the collaborative development and implementation of an integrated oceans management plan for PNCIMA. The parties to the PNCIMA Initiative accept no responsibility for the use of the data within this publication.

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Initiative (Canada) Atlas of the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area [electronic resource] / Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Initiative.

Electronic atlas in PDF format. Issued also in printed form and on CD-ROM. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 978-1-100-18729-7 Cat. no.: Fs144-23/2011E-PDF

1. Pacific Coast (B.C.)--Maps. I. Canada. Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans II. Title. G1170 P33 2011 912.711’1 C2011-980079-9

Suggested citation: Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Initiative. 2011.Atlas of the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area. Available at www.pncima.org

Inside pages are printed on Enviro 100. 100% Post-consumer waste. Processed Chlorine Free – FSC. Please recycle.

2 | Atlas of the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Table of Contents

Acknowledgements ...... 5 Abstract ...... 6 Glossary ...... 7 Introduction ...... 10

CONTEXT: Map 1 Geographic Extent of Information ...... 14 Map 2 Paciﬁ c North Coast Integrated Management Area ...... 16

COMMUNITIES: Map 3 First Nation Communities...... 18 Map 4 Regional Districts and Communities ...... 20 Map 5 Ports, Marinas and Small Craft Harbours ...... 22 Map 6 Population Figures ...... 24

PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY: Map 7 Bathymetry ...... 26 Map 8 Undersea and Geographic Features ...... 28 Map 9 Sea Surface Currents ...... 30

HYDROLOGY: Map 10 Watershed Boundaries and Major Drainages...... 32 Map 11 Salmon Stream Escapement Observations ...... 34

ECOLOGICAL: Map 12 Estuaries ...... 36 Map 13 Areas of Marine Protection ...... 38 Map 14 Ecologically and Biologically Signiﬁ cant Areas ...... 40 Map 15 Eelgrass Distribution ...... 42 Map 16 Kelp Distribution ...... 44 Map 17 Sponge and Coral Important Areas ...... 46 Map 18 Sea Otter and Pinniped Important Areas ...... 48 Map 19 Grey, Sperm and Humpback Whale Important Areas ...... 50 Map 20 Blue, Sei and Fin Whale Important Areas ...... 52 Map 21 Killer Whale Important Areas and Critical Habitat ...... 54 Map 22 Leatherback Turtle Important Areas ...... 56 Map 23 Important Bird Areas ...... 58 Map 24 Herring and Eulachon Important Areas ...... 60 Map 25 Tanner Crab Important Areas ...... 62 Map 26 Manila Clam and Razor Clam Important Areas ...... 64

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES: Map 27 Pacifi c Fishery Management Areas ...... 66 Map 28 Cumulative Groundfi sh Trawl Fishery Effort ...... 68 Map 29 Cumulative Outside ZN Fishery Effort ...... 70 Map 30 Cumulative Groundfi sh Schedule II Fishery Effort ...... 72 Map 31 Cumulative Halibut Fishery Effort ...... 74 Map 32 Cumulative Sablefi sh Trap Fishery Effort ...... 76 Map 33 Cumulative Sablefi sh Longline Fishery Effort ...... 78

Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area | 3 Table of Contents

Map 34 Cumulative Salmon Seine Fishery Effort...... 80 Map 35 Cumulative Salmon Gillnet Fishery Effort ...... 82 Map 36 Cumulative Salmon Troll Fishery Effort ...... 84 Map 37 Herring Fishery Stock Assessment Areas ...... 86 Map 38 Cumulative Sea Cucumber Fishery Effort ...... 88 Map 39 Cumulative Red Sea Urchin Fishery Effort ...... 90 Map 40 Cumulative Green Sea Urchin Fishery Effort ...... 92 Map 41 Cumulative Geoduck Fishery Effort ...... 94 Map 42 Cumulative Crab Fishery Effort ...... 96 Map 43 Cumulative Shrimp Trawl Fishery Effort ...... 98 Map 44 Cumulative Prawn Fishery Effort...... 100

RECREATION AND TOURISM: Map 45 Fishing Lodges ...... 102

AQUACULTURE: Map 46 Finﬁ sh Aquaculture Tenures ...... 104 Map 47 Shellﬁ sh Aquaculture Tenures ...... 106

ENERGY: Map 48 Renewable Ocean Energy Potential: Tidal and Wave ...... 108 Map 49 Renewable Ocean Energy Potential: Wind ...... 110 Map 50 Renewable Energy Sites: Tenures and Applications ...... 112 Map 51 Sedimentary Basins ...... 114 Map 52 Oil and Gas Exploratory Wells and Tenures ...... 116

FORESTRY: Map 53 Log Handling and Storage Tenures ...... 118

MINING: Map 54 Mining Sites ...... 120

POINT SOURCE POLLUTION: Map 55 Disposal at Sea Sites ...... 122

MARINE TRANSPORTATION: Map 56 Areas of Refuge for Vessels in Distress ...... 124 Map 57 Passenger Ferry Routes ...... 126 Map 58 All Vessel Traffi c Density ...... 128 Map 59 Oil Tanker Vessel Traffi c Density (Summer) ...... 130 Map 60 Oil Tanker Vessel Traffi c Density (Winter) ...... 132 Map 61 Fishing Industry Vessel Traffi c Density (Summer) ...... 134 Map 62 Fishing Industry Vessel Traffi c Density (Winter) ...... 136 Map 63 Cruise Ship Traffi c Density (Summer) ...... 138

4 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area Acknowledgements

The PNCIMA Initiative’s Atlas sub-committee oversaw the Students from the University of Victoria (Cathryn Brandon, preparation and completion of the Atlas of the Pacifi c North Angela Doiron, Harpreet Jaswal, Gillian H. Nicol and Norma Coast Integrated Management Area. Members of this sub- Serra), under the direction of professor Rosaline Canessa, committee were: played a signifi cant role in writing, revisions and map development. Sukhbir Johal, whose services were contributed • Nicole Backe, formerly with Fisheries and Oceans Canada in kind by the Metlakatla First Nation, provided assistance (DFO) with map revisions. • Kevin Conley, DFO The PNCIMA Initiative would like to acknowledge and thank • Chris McDougall, Haida Oceans Technical Team/Haida the many other people who contributed to the preparation Fisheries Program and completion of this atlas through provision of data or • Craig Outhet, North Coast-Skeena First Nations photographs, writing, map development, expertise, logistics Stewardship Society/Coastal First Nations or review (presented alphabetically by fi rst name): • Anuradha Rao, PNCIMA • Jodi Stark, PNCIMA

Aaron Heidt Chantal Levesque Gordon Curry Leslie Barton Patrick O’Hara Al Niezen Chantelle Coulson Hannah Mahoney Leslie James Paul Preston Amy Wakelin Charles Short Hilary Ibey Linda Nichol Pete Wills Andrew Couturier Chris Picard James Boutillier Lindsay McBlane Peter Davidson Angela Stadel Christie Chute Jaspal Aulakh Lisa Lacko Richard Thomson Averil Lamont Christina Gulbransen John Bones Lorna Cameron Russ Jones Barbara Lucas Coral Cargill John Ford Lynn Lee Scott Allen Barron Carswell Dave Nicolson Johnny Voong Mark Waddell Scott Harris Barry Ackerman Dave Smith Joy Hillier Masoud Jahani Sean Davies Bill Crawford Denise Zinn Julie Beaumont Martin Huang Sean MacConnachie Bridget Ennevor Derek Nishimura Karen Barry Matthew Wright Sean Muise Bruce Baxter Doug Biffard Karin Bodtker Maya Paul Sean Roberts Bruce Patton Doug Hrynyk Kathleen Moore Megan Sterling Sean Standing Bruce Watkinson Dwight McCullough Kelly Francis Midori Nicolson Simon Davies Candace Picco Erick Merner Ken Cripps Miriam O Steve Diggon Caroline Wells Erik Grundman Kent Spencer Mueller family Susie Harder Carrie Robb Faith Yu Krista Royal Murray Manson Tania Banke Catherine Grifﬁ ths Gabrielle Kosmider Larry Greba Neil Davis Tim Delange Catherine Rigg George Bates Leri Davies Nicholas Irving Tomas Tomascik Cathryn Clarke-Murray Glen Rasmussen Lesley MacDougall Nikki Wright Wanli Ou

These individuals were associated with one or more of the associated with the many reports that have been prepared following organizations: BC Integrated Land Management for the PNCIMA process and used to compile this atlas. Their Bureau, BC Marine Conservation Analysis, BC Ministry of names, works and affi liations are cited, as relevant, with each Environment, BC Ministry of Forests, BC Parks, BC Shellfi sh of the maps and associated text in this atlas. Grower’s Association, Bird Studies Canada, Canadian Coast The atlas was designed by Roger Handling, Terra Firma Guard, Central Coast First Nations, Coastal First Nations/ Digital Arts and printed by Eric Hughes, BlueFire Creative. Great Bear Initiative, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Haida Oceans Technical Team/Haida Representatives from federal, provincial and First Nation Fisheries Program, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, governments make up the Steering Committee that provides Living Oceans Society, Nanwakolas Council, Natural strategic direction and executive oversight to the PNCIMA Resources Canada, North Coast-Skeena First Nations Initiative, including the PNCIMA Planning Offi ce and Atlas Stewardship Society, Parks Canada, SeaChange Marine Sub-committee. Current members of the Steering Committee Conservation Society, Transport Canada, University of British and Planning Offi ce are listed at Columbia, University of Victoria. http://www.pncima.org/site/who.html The PNCIMA Initiative also acknowledges the editors, contributing authors, data providers and data custodians

Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area | 5 Abstract

This atlas was produced as a spatial reference document in within other background reports produced for the PNCIMA support of planning processes associated with the Pacifi c process, including reports on an ecosystem overview, a marine North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA) Initiative. use analysis, Ecologically and Biologically Signifi cant Areas The PNCIMA Initiative’s aim is to ensure a healthy, safe, and (EBSAs), and marine environmental quality. This atlas includes prosperous ocean area by engaging all interested parties maps displaying information relevant to the geographical in the collaborative development and implementation of an context, communities, physical oceanography, hydrology, integrated oceans management plan for PNCIMA. PNCIMA ecology, commercial fi sheries, recreation and tourism, includes the marine environment extending from the southern aquaculture, energy, forestry, point source pollution and area of Johnstone Strait and Brooks Peninsula to the Canadian marine transportation in the area. Exclusive Economic Zone in the north, and west to the base of Maps are presented using a consistent template on the the continental slope. right hand page, while summary text and other graphics are The PNCIMA process will address both issue- and place-based provided on the left hand page facing the map. Though the management of marine uses and requires that information atlas may be viewed in its entirety as a hard-copy printed be represented spatially where possible. This atlas responds document, each map with its associated text also tells a to that need by compiling geospatial information contained discrete story and stands alone.

Photo: Mueller

Photo: Jodi Stark

6 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area Glossary

Abyssal plain Any of the large fl at areas of deep ocean Continental slope The gently sloping submerged land near fl oor. the coastline that forms the side of an ocean basin. Anadromous Referring to the life cycle of fi shes, such as salmon, in which adults travel upriver COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered from the sea to breed, usually returning Wildlife in Canada to the area where they were born. CPUE Catch per unit effort Ballast A heavy substance placed in such a way Cumulative The combined effect of more than one as to improve stability and control of a effects action or project. vessel. CWS Canadian Wildlife Service (directorate of Bathymetry The measurement of depths of water Environment Canada) in oceans, seas and lakes; also the information derived from such DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada (formerly measurements. Department of Fisheries and Oceans) BC British Columbia DWT Dead weight tonnes Benthic Occurring at the bottom of a body of EBSA Ecologically and biologically signifi cant water. area Benthic Position A position-based measure, calculated to EC Environment Canada Index provide an indication of how fl at (plains, Echinoderm Any of the phylum of marine animals slopes), convex (ridge-like) or concave known as Echinodermata. Examples (valley-like) the seafl oor is at any given include sea stars, sea urchins, and point. Areas of consistent slope will have sea cucumbers. They possess a fl uid- BPI values approaching zero, convex fi lled body cavity, an interior calcium areas will be highly positive and concave carbonate skeleton and a system of areas will be highly negative. water-fi lled canals and muscular tube Bioband Species assemblage, observable as a feet for locomotion, food gathering and band within a body of water. attachment. As adults, they show fi ve- part radial symmetry. Biomass The total mass of all living organisms or of a particular set of organisms in an Ecoregion An ecoregion classifi cation was ecosystem or at a certain level in a food developed in BC to provide a systematic chain; usually expressed as a dry weight view of the small scale ecological or as the carbon, nitrogen, or caloric relationships in the province. It is based content per unit area. on climatic processes and landforms, and brings into focus the extent of critical Bituminous coal The most abundant form of coal; “soft habitats and their relationship with coal”. adjacent areas. Bivalve A mollusc whose body is enclosed by two Ecotype A subdivision of a species consisting of a hinged valves or shells. population that is adapted to a particular BPI Benthic Position Index set of environmental conditions. Catch ceiling Limitations or quotas on the total Ecounit A unit of ecological classifi cation quantity of fi sh that can be captured for a identifi ed by the BC Marine Ecological specifi c fi shery, time and area. Classifi cation, a hierarchical ecological mapping system for use in marine CBCYC Council of British Columbia Yacht Clubs planning, conservation and protection. CCG Canadian Coast Guard The classifi cation identifi es 12 CEPA Canadian Environmental Protection Act provincial marine ecosections based on physical, oceanographic and biological Chlorophyll A class of green pigments that are characteristics, and a number of the receptors of light energy in smaller ecounits, based on depth, photosynthesis. Chlorophyll a is current, exposure, relief, salinity, the pigment directly involved in the slope, stratifi cation, substrate, and transformation of light energy into temperature. chemical energy. EEZ Exclusive economic zone (see defi nition CHS Canadian Hydrographic Service below) Continental rise A wide, gentle incline from an ocean Escapement The number of fi sh returning to spawning bottom to a continental slope. grounds to reproduce. Escapement goals Continental shelf A fl at, projecting extension of land are used to manage fi shing opportunities submerged beneath a shallow sea. (e.g. for salmon).

Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area | 7 Glossary

Estuary A semi-enclosed coastal water, often at a m Metres river mouth, that has a high input of fresh m2, m3 Square metres, cubic metres water and experiences great fl uctuation in salinity (saltiness) MCTS Marine Communications and Traffi c Services (program of the Canadian Coast Exclusive An area of the sea adjacent to and beyond Guard) economic zone the territorial sea, extending out to 200 nautical miles from the baselines (e.g. Moratorium A suspension of activity. coast). Within the EEZ, a coastal state mt Metric tonnes has sovereign and jurisdictional rights over exploration and management, and Niche The ecological role of a species in the economic exploitation of living and non- community; the many ranges of conditions living resources in the waters above, in and and resource qualities within which the beneath the seabed. Within the EEZ of one organism or species persists. state, other states enjoy freedoms related NMCA National Marine Conservation Area to navigation and fl ight. NRM Natural resource mapping Fireclay A type of clay that can withstand high temperatures. NWA National Wildlife Area GIS Geographical Information System ODR Offshore dead reckon GMA Groundfi sh Management Area Organism Any living creature, either single-celled or multi-celled. GNBC Geographical Names Board of Canada PECP Pacifi c Estuary Conservation Program Groundfi sh A bottom-dwelling fi sh, especially one of commercial importance such as cod, PFMA Pacifi c Fishery Management Area haddock, pollock, rockfi sh or fl ounder. Photic zone The zone extending downward from the Gyre A circular or spiral system of movement, surface of a marine or fresh water body especially a giant circular oceanic surface within which the light is suffi cient to current. sustain photosynthesis. Habitat The place and natural conditions in which Plankton Small aquatic organisms (animals a plant or animal lives. [zooplankton] and plants [phytoplankton]) that drift with the currents. The animals Hindcasting In wave prediction, the retrospective in this category include protozoans, small forecasting of waves using measured wind crustaceans, and the larval stages of information. larger organisms, while plant forms are Hydrology The study of the movement of water mainly diatoms. from the sea through the air to the land PNCIMA Pacifi c North Coast Integrated and back to the sea; the properties, Management Area distribution, and circulation of water on or below the Earth’s surface and in the Pocket cruise Smaller marine cruising products (as ship atmosphere. compared to traditional cruise liners) that encompass a range of vessels from small IA Important Area boats carrying a dozen or less passengers, IBA Important Bird Area to large ocean-going ships that carry hundreds of tourists. Invertebrate An animal without a backbone. Primary The rate at which biomass is produced IQ Individual quota productivity by organisms which synthesize complex IUCN International Union for Conservation of organic substances from simple inorganic Nature substrates, such as in photosynthesis and chemosynthesis. IVQ Individual vessel quota QCSND Queen Charlotte Sound Kaolin Soft white clay that is an essential ingredient in the manufacture of china and Raster A common GIS data model made up of a porcelain and is widely used in the making grid of cells or pixels. Each pixel contains of paper, rubber, paint, and many other a single value. products. RCA Rockfi sh Conservation Area km Kilometres RDR Radar tracked vessel Larva An immature animal that is anatomically Reach A continuous part of a stream between two (based on body shape/structure) very specifi ed points. different from the adult.

8 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area Glossary

Relief The difference in elevation between the Staging Resting or feeding, often in ﬂ ocks, before high and low points of a surface; changes or during migration; an activity usually in terrain; elevations or depressions in associated with migratory birds. the land. TAC Total allowable catch Salmonid Any of a family of elongate bony ﬁ shes TC Transport Canada (such as salmon or trout) that have the last three vertebrae upturned. Tectonic plate The plates that make up the surface of the Earth. SARA Species at Risk Act TEZ Tanker Exclusion Zone SCEA Salmon catch estimate area Upwelling Vertical movement of water, usually near Seamount An underwater mountain. coasts and driven by offshore winds, that SEDS Salmon Escapement Database System brings nutrients from deep waters to the surface layers of the ocean. Sessile Attached; not free to move about. US United States SMA Species/Stock Management Area USA United States of America SOK Spawn-on-kelp W Watts Spatial Relating to space, or arrangement in space

Photo: Anuradha Rao

Photo: Bridget Ennevor

Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area | 9 Introduction

Overview exclusively within PNCIMA. This atlas was produced as a spatial reference document in Cultural and socio-economic special areas were outside the support of planning processes associated with the Pacifi c scope of this atlas. Parties engaged in the PNCIMA Initiative North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA) Initiative. are expected to present relevant and appropriate information The PNCIMA Initiative’s aim is to ensure a healthy, safe, and during their participation in the PNCIMA planning process. prosperous ocean area by engaging all interested parties Context in the collaborative development and implementation of an integrated oceans management plan for PNCIMA. The fi rst two maps lay out the context of this atlas in terms of the geographic extent of information presented and PNCIMA’s The PNCIMA process will address both issue- and place-based geographic boundary. management of marine uses and requires that information be represented spatially where possible. This atlas responds to Communities that need by compiling geospatial information contained within These maps present information about the human context of other background reports produced for the PNCIMA process, PNCIMA, including its communities and key infrastructure including reports on: components. 1 • an ecosystem overview , Physical Oceanography 2 • a marine use analysis , Maps in this category present data about the physical • Ecologically and Biologically Signifi cant Areas (EBSAs)3,4, and characteristics of the ocean space in PNCIMA. Physical oceanography infl uences the biological system, thereby • marine environmental quality5,6. shaping the ecology of an area. The maps present bathymetry, These large reports include maps that were generated by undersea features, surface currents and gyres. multiple authors and presented in a variety of formats, scales Hydrology and resolutions. This atlas strives to make the maps more accessible by presenting them in one document and using This section presents information on water bodies, including consistent presentation to assist the reader in their own watersheds within and infl uencing PNCIMA, and salmon interpretation and use of the information. In many cases, stream escapement observations. relevant text from the above peer-reviewed reports has been Ecological directly extracted for inclusion in this atlas. In other cases, relevant information from the reports has been summarized. This category of maps presents areas within the ocean space that are important from an ecological point of view. Included Where possible, the atlas has incorporated the most current are areas that are currently afforded, or are proposed and spatial data available, including data which have been updated anticipated for, legally designated marine protection. This since the publication of the original report from which they includes estuaries, areas of marine protection, Ecologically were taken. The atlas also contains relevant marine geospatial and Biologically Signifi cant Areas (EBSAs), eelgrass data gathered from other sources. distribution, kelp distribution, and Important Areas (IAs). Atlas Layout IAs had been identifi ed through an exercise to identify EBSAs, The atlas consists of maps containing geospatial areas worthy of enhanced management or risk aversion. representations of related data layer(s), accompanied by EBSAs were identifi ed based on the locations of unique summary text from relevant sources. Maps are presented physical features, combined with identifi ed species IAs. using a consistent template on the right hand page while IAs that met EBSA criteria were identifi ed through surveys summary text and other graphics are provided on the left of relevant experts. The criteria for EBSAs require that an hand page facing the map. References to source reports are area ranks highly in one or more of three characteristics, provided in the footnotes accompanying the map text. namely uniqueness, aggregation and fi tness consequences, and could be weighted by two others, naturalness and Though the atlas may be viewed in its entirety as a hard-copy resilience.7 Resulting IAs represented a variety of species of printed document, each map with its associated text also tells fi sh, invertebrates, marine mammals and reptiles, as well as a discrete story and stands alone. oceanographic features, provincial ecounits, and Parks Canada Atlas Organization and Methods areas of interest. The maps contained in the PNCIMA Atlas are organized based Commercial Fisheries on several categories, explained below, according to the Commercial fi sheries data are presented as cumulative data presented. The atlas does not include all possible maps effort. This displays the relative amount of fi shing activity that concerning these subjects. Even the maps presented are not occurs within PNCIMA. Where possible, catch within PNCIMA intended to provide all the information required for planning. relative to coastwide catch is presented as a graph in the text Rather, the atlas is intended as a introductory starting point to accompanying the map. present information relevant to these categories and launch discussions. For the majority of maps, data layers have been The source data for the maps representing commercial catch clipped to the PNCIMA boundary. Other maps include data and/or effort are derived from various logbook programs. that were only generated within PNCIMA, such as Important The data provided by commercial harvesters is confi dential. Areas. Some maps, however, include data outside PNCIMA, Source data were screened consistent with the Access to respecting that administrative authorities, including Fisheries Information and Privacy Act. This Act provides for public access and Oceans Canada (DFO), and some features do not operate to data while protecting personal and confi dential data. To

10 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area Introduction allow for spatial representation of this information, the data • The way the data are presented does not take into account had to be grouped to eliminate the possibility of confi dential variations in fi shing activity over time due to factors such as information being released. A four by four km grid was fi sheries management measures, behaviour of individual established where individual point data representing a vessels, or changes in technology or fi shing practices. fi shing event were summed. When data were available for • The maps do not represent economic valuations or three or more fi shing licences in one cell of a Geographical biological trends such as stock health, stock dynamics, or Information System (GIS) grid, the summed data representing areas of species abundance (neither in fi shed nor in closed the fi shing activity within that cell were displayed. For cells areas). with data pertaining to fewer than three licences, the data had to be removed for confi dentiality purposes (see fi gure • Changes in environmental and management conditions below). Therefore, additional areas may be fi shed that are not have changed the distribution of fi sheries over time, meaning displayed on the map. that the years for which data are displayed on the maps may not refl ect current or future conditions. • Dive fi sheries that target sedentary species (e.g. geoduck, A (10) urchins and sea cucumber) cannot be spatially compared to A (1) A(3) fi sheries for species which are more mobile. B (5) B (7) B (10) • It is diffi cult to compare weight caught for a low volume C (1) C(2) C (3) versus a high volume fi shery, because the effort expended to capture target species differs among fi sheries.8 A (3) Recreation and Tourism B (6) B (9) G(1) This section contains a single map, focusing on recreational D (1) D(2) fi shing lodges. The data presented on this topic were derived from a report that contributed to the sport fi shery section within the PNCIMA Marine Use Analysis report. Lodge E(10) B(9) G(2) locations were obtained from a recent spatial layer generated by the BC Marine Conservation Analysis. F (3) C(3) D(6) Aquaculture E(10) A(1) F(12) Maps in this section present the location of fi nfi sh and shellfi sh aquaculture sites. The source for these data was the Province of BC tenure data accessed November 2010. A The grid above represents effort values (#) by individual point feature class was created from small tenure polygons in licensed holders (A, B etc). Therefore, A(1) represents licence order to be visible at the scale displayed on the atlas page. ‘A’ fi shing the cell with an effort value of 1 (effort units vary Energy among fi sheries). Only cells with three or more licences reporting are included in the data (see grid below) summing This section includes maps relevant to energy potential and effort values for all licences reporting fi shing activity within investigation by renewable energy and oil and gas sectors. the cell. Forestry The following caveats apply to the maps in this section: Marine-based log handling tenures are presented in this section. Log handling sites are tenure locations from the Province of BC. Points were created from small tenure Removed polygons in order to be visible at the scale displayed on the atlas page. 28 (two licences, A Mining and B) This category contains a map of active and inactive mine sites in the watersheds that drain into PNCIMA. Removed Point Source Pollution 21 (one licence, G) This category contains a map of disposal at sea sites. Marine Transportation Most of the maps in this section are vessel traffi c density Removed maps. The Marine Communications and Traffi c Services (two licences, 33 (MCTS) program of the Canadian Coast Guard monitors E and F) ship traffi c using radio contact, radar detection and satellite tracking. Ship information is documented along with position, direction and speed approximately every four minutes. Ship locations were estimated and documented by MCTS in their databases.9

Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area | 11 Introduction

MCTS data used for this atlas are from 2003, and 2005 to • Coastline polygon: the ‘CHS Coastline’ was produced by 2008. Only data based on RDR10 and ODR11 were included, the Canadian Hydrographic Service, DFO in 2004 (1:1.5K to since these methods are considered the most consistent for 1:525K). repeatable and sensible position representation. Because of • Offshore bathymetry: a geo-referenced JPEG image fi le the size of this database, the number of observations was produced by Oceans, Habitat and Enhancement Branch, reduced to one uniquely identifi able ship observation per fi ve Pacifi c Region, DFO in 2005 from Natural Resource Mapping by fi ve km cell in a GIS grid. Due to limited radar coverage, Data (1:250K) and CAORWALL: Bathymetry for the California, vessel traffi c data in most fjords was not available. Washington and Oregon EEZ (1:250K and 1:1,000K). Ship traffi c was categorized into six classes, three of which are • Community names: Gazetteer, GeoBC Information Services included in the PNCIMA Atlas as follows (using MCTS codes to Branch, Province of BC. identify the ship type – see table below). • State of Alaska shapefi le: produced by the Alaska Mean daily vessel movements were summarized using two Department of Natural Resources in 2001 (1:250K). different grids: one of ten by ten km cells for offshore waters and another of three by three km cells for inshore waters. This Data overlaid on these base layers are from varying sources. was necessary to show differences in data quality for different Source information is provided on individual maps. Maps parts of the BC coast, specifi cally differences in accuracy (e.g. were generated using GIS software ArcGIS 9.3.12 To maximize of the radar) and in the frequency with which vessel positions the marine area displayed the base map was rotated by -25 were recorded. More detailed and accurate information could degrees, as visually depicted by the north arrow. A scale bar is be obtained from vessels monitored inshore (from 200 to included, but since the maps are intended for distribution as 1,000 m between recorded vessel locations), compared to electronic versions as well as hard-copy they may ultimately vessels monitored offshore (from two to ten km between be viewed at multiple sizes and therefore scale text was not recorded vessel locations). Ships that did not move from one included on the maps. grid cell to another were removed, i.e. only identifi able ships Quality Control that changed cells were included in the summation, thereby representing ship movement. Ships were uniquely identifi able The maps and text were prepared by individuals working for because the MCTS data included both ship name and Lloyd’s DFO, Haida Fisheries Program, North Coast-Skeena First registry number, allowing the data to be reduced to one ship Nations Stewardship Society, PNCIMA and the University observation per grid cell. Yearly estimates were extracted of Victoria. Internal review and a series of revisions were by multiplying mean daily estimates by 365 days. Seasonal undertaken prior to review by the PNCIMA Planning Offi ce, movements (summer: 1 April – 30 September; winter 1 which is made up of representatives of federal, provincial and October – 30 March) were estimated by multiplying daily mean First Nation governments. estimates by 182.5 days (6 months). Warranty Disclaimer Vessel traffi c density maps showing the same vessel type in a This atlas, and the information presented on it, is provided different season, or different vessel types, cannot be compared as a public service by the collaborative governance parties directly to the individual maps in this section because the to PNCIMA. The information in this atlas is provided ‘as is’ range in number of vessel movements will vary among without warranty of any kind, whether expressed or implied. seasons and vessel types. In a marine planning context, data All implied warranties, including, without limitation, implied may be considered current for four to fi ve years.8 warranties of merchantability, fi tness for a particular purpose Map Data Sources and non-infringement are hereby expressly disclaimed. The maps are all presented using the BC Albers projection, Limitation of Liabilities NAD 83 datum at a scale of 1:2,700,000 when printed at 6.5 by The information presented in this atlas may not be current 11.2 inches. The base map (template) for the atlas uses the and/or may be incorrect or missing information. Areas where following source layers with spatial scale resolution provided no fi sh or wildlife species, habitat, or other data are depicted in parentheses: on the map should not be construed as having no value for fi sh

Vessel trafﬁ c classes used in PNCIMA Atlas

Column headings in shapefi le MCTS Identifi ed Vessel Types PNCIMA Atlas Map Vessel trafﬁattribute c classes table used in atlas ‘FISH’ ‘CRABBER’, ‘FISH FACTORY’, ‘FISH PACKER’, ‘FISH PROCESSOR’, • Fishing Industry Vessel Traffi c Density (Summer) ‘FISH(ING) FACTORY’, ‘FISHING VESSEL’, ‘LONGLINER’, • Fishing Industry Vessel Traffi c Density (Winter) ‘PROCESSOR’, ‘SEINER’, ‘TRAWLER’ ‘OIL’ ‘LIQ GAS CARRIER’, ‘OCEAN OIL TANKER’, ‘VEG OIL/MOLASSES’, • Oil Tanker Vessel Traffi c Density (Summer) ‘COASTAL TANKER’, ‘OIL TANKER’ • Oil Tanker Vessel Traffi c Density (Winter) ‘CRUI’ ‘PASSENGER’, ‘PASSENGER SHIP’ • Cruise Ship Traffi c Density (Summer)

12 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area Introduction or wildlife, or their habitat. The information presented in this Under no circumstances will the parties to PNCIMA be liable atlas should never be used for the purposes of navigation. to any person or business entity for any direct, indirect, Some of the information presented in this document was special, incidental, consequential or other damages based obtained from third parties who should be contacted to on any use of information contained in this atlas including, ascertain the source, description and potential usage without limitation, any lost proﬁ ts, business interruption, or restrictions of the information. loss of programs or information.

1 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated 7 DFO. 2004. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas. CSAS Ecosystem Status Report Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104 p. 2004/006: 15 p. 2 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld. S. 2007. Marine use analysis for the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated 8 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 189 p. the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011). 3 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c 9 Patrick O’Hara, EC-CWS Birds Oiled at Sea Research Scientist and Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase I – identifi cation of important areas. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Biology, University of Victoria. Personal communication via emailed methodology document, February 16, 2009. Sci. 2678: vi + 89 p. 10 Radar tracked vessel, vessel track linked to radar sensor. 4 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c 11 Off shore Dead Reckon, based on 96/24 hour advance reports submitted by vessels prior to entering Canadian North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase II – Final Report. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2686: v + 25 p. territorial waters. 5 Johannessen, D.I., Macdonald, J.S., Harris, K.A. and Ross, P.S. 2007. Marine environmental quality in the Pacifi c 12 ESRI. 2008. ArcMAP. Redlands, CA: ESRI. North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA), British Columbia, Canada: a summary of contaminant sources, types and risks. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2716: xi + 53 p. 6 Johannessen, D. I., Harris, K., MacDonald, S. and Ross, P. S. 2007. Marine environmental quality in the North Coast and Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia, Canada: a review of contaminant sources, types and risk. Can. Tech. Report Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2717.

Photo: Mueller

Photo: Brenda Bauer

Photo: Carol Keehn

Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area | 13 1 Geographic Extent of Information

This atlas contains information within a signifi cant portion The EEZ borders Pacifi c Ocean waters under the jurisdiction of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) administrative of the United States of America, both to the south (Washington region known as the Pacifi c Region. This administrative region State) and to the north (Alaska). The focus area in the atlas includes the entire Canadian Pacifi c Ocean Exclusive Economic maps is situated in the northeastern portion of Canada’s Zone (EEZ), generally referred to as the 200 nautical mile limit. Pacifi c EEZ and is adjacent to Alaska.

Photo: Jacob Joslin

Photo: Carol Keehn

14 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 1 Geographic Extent of Information

Context | 15 2 Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area

PNCIMA is one of fi ve national Large Ocean Management Geography Areas in Canada. It is the only area on the Pacifi c Coast that In general, the coastline within PNCIMA is predominantly Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has selected for piloting a steep fjords carved into the granitic Coast Mountains that new approach to oceans governance, as called for in Canada’s were created by the last of several glaciations about 12,000 Oceans Act.1 years ago. Two large coastal watersheds that drain into Boundaries PNCIMA include the Skeena and Nass, which are located in the interior plateau in the northeast portion of PNCIMA. These In accordance with the Oceans Act, the boundary of PNCIMA river systems contribute the largest freshwater and sediment is the result of a mix of ecological considerations and sources within this portion of the coast.3 administrative boundaries. Ecologically, the PNCIMA boundary represents the Northern Shelf ecoregion of the Pacifi c Ocean PNCIMA’s semi-enclosed basin, varied bottom topography within Canadian jurisdiction.2 Specifi cally, its boundary extends and freshwater input set it apart from other areas of North from the base of the continental slope in the west to America’s west coast. Bathymetric troughs and the coastal watershed in the east (adjacent terrestrial PNCIMA steep edges infl uence, and likely enhance plankton 3 1 watersheds are not included ). North to south, is the only and fi sh production. In addition, intersecting straits PNCIMA extends from the Canada-US border for and channels provide a wide variety of exposures Alaska to Brooks Peninsula on northwest Vancouver Large Ocean and habitats, while strong tidal mixing in the narrow Island and Quadra Island in the south.1 These Management passes and channels enhances productivity around boundaries include an area of approximately 102,000 Area on the periphery.3 This results in PNCIMA being home km2, and roughly two thirds of the BC coast.3 Canada’s to a wide variety of marine fl ora and fauna. Many of the species and populations of organisms occupying Note that while the shallow waters found between Pacifi c coast PNCIMA do not extend southward beyond Brooks Haida Gwaii and the mainland coast represent a Peninsula.2 distinctive oceanographic and geological feature within PNCIMA, they are considered a weak boundary within Climatically, PNCIMA is located in a transition zone; the PNCIMA and more likely represent a substructure, meaning an dominant infl uence from the north is the down-welling Alaska ecological feature of a smaller scale than the broad ecoregions Coastal Current and from the south is the upwelling of the used in the management of large ocean areas.2 California Current.1 As part of the coastal temperate zone, PNCIMA is characterized by mild temperatures and high rainfall due to the Pacifi c Ocean’s prevailing wind patterns and the effect of the coastal mountains.3 Mapping The accompanying map is intended to be a reference for the rest of the atlas. It displays the boundaries for most of the map data compiled for the atlas. The maps are intended to relay information relevant to PNCIMA; data in Alaskan waters are not displayed. Several maps, such as those presenting commercial fi sheries, have been clipped so that only data within PNCIMA are displayed, and are indicated as such, i.e. “PNCIMA Data”. Other maps include data that were only generated within PNCIMA, such as Important Areas. Some maps, however, include data outside PNCIMA, respecting that administrative authorities, including DFO, and some features do not operate exclusively within PNCIMA. Marine areas outside of PNCIMA have been covered with a semi-transparent white “mask” which highlights the PNCIMA region yet enables information beyond the PNCIMA boundary to still be seen.

Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm. Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 MacConnachie, S., J. Hillier and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. 2 Powles, H., Vendette, V., Siron , R. and O’Boyle, B. 2004. Proceedings of the Canadian Marine Ecoregions Workshop. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Proceed. Ser. 2004/016. 3 Johannessen, D.I., Macdonald, J.S., Harris, K.A. and Ross, P.S. 2007. Marine environmental quality in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA), British Columbia, Canada: a summary of contaminant sources, types and risks. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2716: xi + 53 p.

Hecate Cove. Photo: Steve Diggon

16 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 2 Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area

Context | 17 3 First Nation Communities

First Nations in PNCIMA First Nation Communities First Nations cultures and communities in PNCIMA are The accompanying map shows the names of First Nations in inextricably tied to the marine environment, and First PNCIMA and the location of the most populous communities.1 Nations participation in integrated planning is important to Some First Nations with traditional territories in PNCIMA maintain economic, social and cultural development in these may not be shown on the map if their communities lie outside communities. Several First Nations are currently the PNCIMA region. It is important to note that all involved in the PNCIMA planning process. Many First communities displayed on the adjacent map may not be currently involved in the PNCIMA planning First Nations are closely connected to the Nations process. It is anticipated that as the PNCIMA process surrounding ocean through marine activities such cultures and moves forward, additional First Nations may choose as harvesting, preparation and consumption of communities to participate. seasonal resources. These resources include edible exist in seaweeds, eulachon, salmon, halibut, rockfi sh, PNCIMA An asterisk (*) on the map denotes a First Nation herring, herring roe-on-kelp, shellfi sh and many community or reserve without a permanent other marine species. Many traditional systems population, but that best represents that particular of resource use continue into the present day and many First First Nation within PNCIMA. Nations also participate in various commercial fi sheries. 1 Indian and Northern Aff airs Canada. May 2007. Professional and Technical Services metadata for GIS shapefi le “BandLocations_with3YukonBands.shp” with input from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and First Nations staff who helped confi rm and correct the locations, identifi cation and labels for communities.

Potlatch. Photo: Ken Cripps

Drying halibut. Photo: © Maya Paul

18 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 3 First Nation Communities

Communities | 19 4 Regional Districts and Communities

Regional Districts draining into PNCIMA are considered, smaller portions of four more regional districts are included, namely Bulkley-Nechako, Regional districts serve as the local government in rural Peace River, Cariboo and Alberni-Clayoquot.1 areas that have not been incorporated into municipalities. In some regional affairs, they affect multiple municipalities. In Communities rural areas, regional districts provide services such Communities shown on the accompanying map as ﬁ re protection, land use planning and building attempt to capture the majority throughout inspection. They may also provide services to the PNCIMA’s PNCIMA. First Nation communities presented on entire district, including municipalities, such as coastline is the preceding First Nation Communities map are solid-waste management and emergency response. shared with not duplicated on this map. Due to the map’s scale, Regional Districts in BC fi ve regional only the more populous communities on North districts Vancouver Island are displayed.2 BC is divided into 28 regional districts. The coastline of PNCIMA is shared with ﬁ ve of these, namely Central Coast, Kitimat-Stikine, Mount Waddington, Skeena- 1 BC Stats. 2010. Regional districts of British Columbia. http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/pop/maps/rdmap.asp (Accessed May 2011). Queen Charlotte and Strathcona. When the coastal watersheds 2 GeoBC Information Services Branch. 2009. Gazetteer of British Columbia. BC Geographical Names Information System, Province of BC.

Metlakatla village. Photo: Hilary Ibey Photo: Steve Diggon

Prince Rupert. Photo: © Maya Paul

20 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 4 Regional Districts and Communities

Communities | 21 5 Ports, Marinas and Small Craft Harbours

Ports sailboats, yachts, charters, and fi shing boats. There are 603 operating marinas in BC. The dataset was refi ned to exclude Three main ports contain terminal industries for the shipping marinas outside PNCIMA; duplicate fi elds; fuel sites; ferry of bulk cargos in PNCIMA: Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Stewart. docks; sites that could not be confi rmed, do not exist, or have The private Port of Kitimat services the Alcan been abandoned or closed; and sailing/boating clubs aluminium smelter,1 and markets in the US and There are 3 that do not have their own facilities, ramps and Asia. It can accommodate vessels up to 320,000 anchorages. As a result, 102 facilities in PNCIMA DWT (dead weight tonnes). Kitimat is connected major ports, comprising marinas, public docks, private docks and within Canada and to the US by road and rail.2 102 marinas yacht clubs are presented in the accompanying map. The Port of Prince Rupert is a Canada Port and 38 small Small Craft Harbours Authority. It is linked to other Canadian locations craft harbours There are 103 fi shing and 13 recreational harbours by road and rail, and to international markets, in PNCIMA in BC. In PNCIMA, there are 38 small craft harbours particularly China and the mid-west US. Its harbour of which 37 are fi shing harbours and one is a can accommodate vessels of up to 250,000 DWT.3 recreational harbour.1 The Port of Prince Rupert contains a cruise ship dock and a container port in addition to its deep sea berths.1 Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: Stewart Bulk Terminals is the major terminal in Stewart, and 1 MacConnachie, S.; Hillier, J.; Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine Use Analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2677. 188pp. is privately owned. Bulk carriers are loaded at the terminal 2 District of Kitimat Development Services. N.d. The private international port of Kitimat. http://www.investkitimat. with copper concentrates and rock. It is linked to other ca/uploads/Port.HomePage/ThePrivateInternationalPortofKitimat.pdf (Accessed February 2011). 4 3 Association of Canadian Port Authorities www.acpa-ports.net Canadian and US locations by road. 4 Stewart Bulk Terminals Ltd. www.stewart-hyder.com/company/bulkterminals.html (Accessed March 2009). Marinas Marinas provide permanent and temporary moorage for commercial and pleasure boats, including motorboats,

Ridley Terminal, Prince Rupert. Photo: Dale Gueret

Boats in Queen Charlotte harbour. Photo: Nicholas Irving

Campbell River Small Craft Harbour. Photo: Anuradha Rao

22 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 5 Ports, Marinas and Small Craft Harbours

Communities | 23 6 Population Figures

Census Divisions in PNCIMA of Strathcona, which has experienced a gradual increase since 2003 and Kitimat-Stikine, which has shown a slight Statistics Canada disseminates census data by standard increase since 2007. The overall population in PNCIMA has geographic areas. These areas are either administrative (e.g. shown a gradual decrease between 2000 and 2007. This trend provinces, territories, municipalities) or statistical (e.g. census is reversed in 2008. In contrast, the BC population has shown divisions, census sub-divisions, census tracts).1 A census a steady increase over the period. These trends division is a group of neighbouring municipalities translate into a decrease in the percentage of the BC joined together for the purposes of regional The most 2 population comprised from PNCIMA (see tables). planning and managing common services. In BC populous census divisions are equivalent to regional districts. The accompanying map displays PNCIMA population A census sub-division is a municipality or an area census data captured from 2006 federal census data treated as a municipal equivalent.3 divisions in at the subdivision level. There were 218 census subdivisions in PNCIMA as of 2006.3 The population When the coastal watersheds feeding into PNCIMA PNCIMA are distribution within PNCIMA varies signiﬁ cantly are considered, ﬁ ve of the 30 Statistics Canada Strathcona and throughout the area, and although there are large census divisions in BC are at least partially within Kitimat-Stikine areas on the map containing no data (according to PNCIMA: Kitimat-Stikine, Skeena-Queen Charlotte, the 2006 census), small communities are known to Central Coastal, Mount Waddington and Strathcona exist in these areas. The majority of the population in PNCIMA (formerly Comox-Strathcona). The tables below display trends is around Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Campbell River. in the population data for the period 2000 to 2009. PNCIMA populations were calculated by identifying the cities, towns, 1 BC Census Divisions metadata published by Statistics Canada in 1996, obtained on January 13, 2009. villages and district municipalities of each census division that 2 Statistics Canada. 2003. Reference maps: census division. geodepot.statcan.ca/Diss/Maps/ReferenceMaps/n_cd_e. fall within PNCIMA. The total population of unincorporated cfm 3 Statistics Canada. Census subdivision. www12.statcan.ca/English/census01/Products/Reference/dict/geo012.htm areas within census divisions were included in PNCIMA as (Accessed April 2010). there was no way to distinguish which exact portions fall 4 Population estimates published by BC Stats http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/pop/pop/estspop.asp (Accessed December 2010). within PNCIMA. This affected calculations for Strathcona and 5 Populations were calculated as being equivalent to the population of each regional district plus total regional Kitimat-Stikine census divisions and thus may represent an district unincorporated areas, with the exception of Comox-Strathcona, where the regional district unincorporated over-estimation of population in these census divisions. area was calculated to be 31.2% of the total based on the total Strathcona regional district unincorporated area. 6 Population estimates published by BC Stats http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/pop/pop/BCPop.asp (Accessed Population Figures in PNCIMA December 2010). 7 Calculated by selecting all cities, towns, villages, district municipalities within the boundaries of the watersheds The most populous census divisions in PNCIMA are Strathcona that drain into PNCIMA plus total regional district unincorporated areas; likely an overestimate. and Kitimat-Stikine. All census divisions show gradual population declines between 2000 and 2009 with the exception

Population for the portion of ﬁ ve census divsions within PNCIMA for the period 2000-2009.4,5 Census Division 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Kitimat-Stikine 42239 41520 40628 40061 39705 38900 38307 37838 38612 38936 Skeena-Queen Charlotte 22801 22213 21589 20971 20710 20224 19980 19755 19621 19438 Central Coastal 3924 3871 3764 3598 3447 3373 3220 3169 3119 3118 Mount Waddington 13721 13572 13170 12760 12774 12264 11962 11914 11954 12042 Strathcona 40291 40056 39842 39671 39695 40157 40741 41139 41810 42222

Population within PNCIMA in comparison to BC, including trends for the period 2000-2009.6,7 Population Figures Year PNCIMA BC Portion of BC Total population Annual Change (%) Total population Annual Change (%) Population in PNCIMA (%) 2000 122,976 N/A 4,039,230 N/A 3.04% 2001 121,232 -1.42% 4,076,264 0.92% 2.97% 2002 118,993 -1.85% 4,098,178 0.54% 2.90% 2003 117,061 -1.62% 4,122,396 0.59% 2.84% 2004 116,331 -0.62% 4,155,170 0.80% 2.80% 2005 114,918 -1.21% 4,196,788 1.00% 2.74% 2006 114,210 -0.69% 4,243,580 1.11% 2.69% 2007 113,815 -0.27% 4,309,453 1.55% 2.64% 2008 115,117 1.14% 4,383,845 1.73% 2.63% 2009 115,756 0.56% 4,455,207 1.63% 2.60%

24 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 6 Population Figures

Communities | 25 7 Bathymetry

Bathymetry is the measurement of the depth at various places The remaining shelf areas are dominated by shallow (20 to in the ocean. It signifi cantly infl uences physical oceanographic 200m) depths with lesser amounts of deeper (200 to 1,000m) processes, and, in turn, the biology and ecology of the marine and photic (penetrable by light) (0 to 20m) depths. The north ecosystem.1 A selection of Natural Resource Map bathymetric coast fjords are much deeper than the adjacent Hecate Strait contours (1:250,000) are shown in the accompanying map and Queen Charlotte Sound. Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte to provide a general overview of the bathymetry of PNCIMA, Strait have the greatest variation in relief with more than 50 quantifying the underlying bathymetric image used throughout percent of their areas consisting of high relief. Queen Charlotte the atlas. The delineation of ecosections conducted by the Sound, north coast fjords, Vancouver Island shelf and the Province of BC, though not presented in detail Strait of Georgia have ten to 20 percent high relief in this atlas, provides a useful overview of the areas. The remaining ecosections have less than ten bathymetry of PNCIMA. Depth percent high relief areas.4 infl uences Along the coastline, PNCIMA consists predominantly It is diffi cult to defi ne maximum depth for PNCIMA, of fjords carved into the granitic Coast Mountains. physical and as the boundary is identifi ed by the base of the Shores tend to be rocky and steep with beaches biological continental slope, which is established as the line restricted to sheltered areas adjacent to estuaries. processes in where the slope gradient becomes less than 2.7 The outer coastal areas are exposed to the open the ocean percent, rather than by depth contour.2 The PNCIMA ocean, but sheltered areas occur behind islands boundary is therefore displayed to provide a context and reefs, and the intersecting straits and channels of the range of bathymetry. provide a wide variety of exposures and habitats.1 Within the The offshore ecoregion borders PNCIMA to the west of northern shelf ecoregion of the Pacifi c, a distinctive geological the base of the continental slope,2 and is comprised of the feature is the shallow water area of Hecate Strait located subarctic Pacifi c and transitional Pacifi c ecosections. The area between Haida Gwaii and the mainland coast.2 includes abyssal plain, continental rise and a seamount chain Johnstone Strait in the south is characterised by narrow oriented NW/SE, among other features. Though generally constricted channels, while the adjoining Queen Charlotte deeper than the base of the continental slope, the offshore Strait is a predominantly shallow (20 to 200m), high relief3 area area does include features such as seamounts that rise above with deeper fjords. The continental slope forming the western the abyssal plain. edge of PNCIMA is a steep, sloping shelf. Dixon Entrance in the north is an across-shelf trough with depths mostly Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: less than 300m, surrounded by low-lying coastal plains, the 1 Johannessen, D.I., Macdonald, J.S., Harris, K.A. and Ross, P.S. 2007. Marine environmental quality in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA), British Columbia, Canada: A summary of contaminant sources, Hecate Depression. The north coast fjords along the eastern types and risks. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2716: xi + 53 p. (landward) edge of PNCIMA are deep (200 to 1,000m), narrow 2 Powles, H., Vendette, V., Siron, R. and O’Boyle, B. 2004. Proceedings of the Canadian Marine Ecosystems Workshop. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Proceed. Ser. 2004/016 fjords cutting into high coastal relief. In the centre, Hecate 3 Relief is generally defi ned as the diff erence in elevation between the high and low points of a surface; changes in Strait is very shallow, while Queen Charlotte Sound is a wide, terrain; elevations or depressions in the land. 4 Howes, D.E., Zacharias M.A. and Harper, J.R. 1997. British Columbia marine ecological classifi cation: marine deep shelf characterized by several large banks and inter- ecosections and ecounits. Resources Inventory Committee, Province of BC. http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/risc/pubs/ bank channels. A portion of the Vancouver Island shelf, the coastal/marine/index.htm (Accessed January 2011). narrow gently sloping shelf north of the Brooks Peninsula, is also within PNCIMA.4 Johnstone Strait, Dixon Entrance and the north coast fjords generally consist of an equal mix of shallow and deep areas. Photo: Mueller

26 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 7 Bathymetry

Physical Oceanography | 27 8 Undersea and Geographic Features

Undersea Features Economic Zone), 175 seamount, hill and ridge features were identifi ed, 39 of which were named in the gazetteer. Undersea features provide physical habitat. Their Fifty-seven canyon and valley features (13 named) were also characteristics, for example their abundance, size and identifi ed on the continental slope, as were 25 trough, basin orientation relative to the surrounding marine environment, and canyon features (ten named) on the continental shelf, and can infl uence marine biological productivity. Features are 48 trough, basin and canyon features (16 named) on identifi ed on the accompanying map based on a the continental rise. Within PNCIMA there are 26 spatial inventory of large undersea features in Undersea canyon, fi ve valley and nine trough features. the northeast Pacifi c Ocean created through the analysis of small scale bathymetric (ocean depth) features Geographic Features data using Benthic Position Index (BPI) and slope provide habitat Islands and other geographic locations are labelled surface analyses. and infl uence to provide the reader with the geographic context The analysis used Natural Resource Mapping biological in which the remainder of the atlas is presented. (NRM) data at a scale of 1:250,000, and the productivity Names used originate from multiple sources, Canadian Gazetteer of Undersea Feature Names for including the Geographical Names Board of Canada naming identifi ed features. A bathymetric surface (GNBC), local First Nations, names of nearby was created as a raster image fi le, which is the offshore features on land or locally referenced names. While there has bathymetry image used in the base map of this atlas. The been no systematic effort to ensure names used for this atlas undersea features analysis used a BPI to calculate how fl at are those offi cially recognized by the GNBC, there has been an (plains, slopes), convex (ridge-like) or concave (valley-like) the attempt to identify features and locations that are referenced seafl oor is at a given point relative to the surrounding area. in the text explaining the maps within this atlas, and those that Values for BPI were established to identify the features based might reasonably be expected to be referenced in planning on relevant literature. discussions concerning PNCIMA. Within the geographic extent of the NRM data used for the analysis (which roughly corresponds to Canada’s Exclusive

Photo: Jacob Joslin

28 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 8 Undersea and Geographic Features

Physical Oceanography | 29 9 Sea Surface Currents

Variations in climate conditions, including current strength Circulation off the Central and Northern BC Coast and direction, strongly affect ecosystems.1 The BC coast lies Ocean currents off central BC are driven by a combination of at a transition zone between two large Pacifi c gyres (giant tidal and non-tidal currents. Tidal currents generally dominate circular surface currents). This zone migrates north and south water movement over time scales of hours; however, the ebb/ depending on the dominance of the atmospheric pressure fl ood cycle can result in little net movement. Tidal fl ows are systems whose winds drive the gyres.2 Coastal currents are often masked by non-tidal currents. The speed and direction largely driven by wind and freshwater, and are controlled by of the currents are modifi ed by the bathymetry and the shape of the coast and depth profi le of the coastline. The central BC shelf region is dominated continental shelf. Wind conditions and currents Ecosystems in by banks and troughs, which modify and steer tidal tend to differ between summer and winter.3 PNCIMA are and non-tidal fl ows.3 Offshore Circulation aff ected by the The average currents along BC’s continental slope The Subarctic Current (also called West Wind Drift strength and can fl ow either north or south depending on the or North Pacifi c Current) is a large, slow (~5 to 10 direction of wind patterns and the forcing of cross-shelf sea cm/s), trans-Pacifi c current that splits into the several currents surface slope due to coastal runoff of fresh water. Alaska Current and the California Current (see These currents are stronger than those further fi gure). The Alaska Current curves to the north into offshore and are generally seasonal. In winter, the Gulf of Alaska and fl ows around the Alaskan Gyre, while the Davidson Current fl ows northward off Vancouver Island, the California Current veers south and fl ows around the East extending to Queen Charlotte Sound, which may disrupt this Pacifi c Gyre. The strength, position and size of the gyres vary current along the shore. In summer, the southward Shelf seasonally as they are driven by the atmospheric Aleutian Low Break Current fl ows approximately 50 km from the Vancouver and North Pacifi c High pressure systems. The Alaska Current Island coastline. The northerly fl ow off the northwest coast of intensifi es in winter as the Aleutian Low strengthens. This Haida Gwaii in winter, termed the Haida Current, is driven by changes the location where the Subarctic Current splits, from the wind and the alongshore sea surface slope. It is warmer as far north as the Alaskan Panhandle in summer, and as far than the surrounding waters by one to two degrees Celsius. In south as the coasts of Washington and Oregon in winter.3 summer, with the weakening of the Aleutian Low, these shelf break currents weaken, often reversing to southerly fl ow.3 Currents moving north along the coast are pushed towards the coast by the Earth’s rotation, and create a “downwelling” The Vancouver Island Coastal Current fl ows northward close to environment where low-nutrient surface waters are pushed the island’s shoreline. In winter, southeasterly winds push this toward the coast and denser, high-nutrient waters are pushed current past the Brooks Peninsula. In summer, the current’s deeper. For this reason downwelling is often associated with direction often reverses due to the physical barrier created by reduced ocean productivity. Southward moving currents the peninsula, and by wind driven currents moving southward.3 are turned away from the coast and create an “upwelling”

environment where deep ocean waters are brought to the Material presented is extracted almost directly from the following literature reviews, which include primary surface along the coast. These waters are rich in nutrients and references: 1 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S., and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated create areas of enhanced productivity. PNCIMA coastal regions Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104 p. experience strong downwelling in winter and weak upwelling 2 Crawford, W., Johannessen, D., Birch, R., Borg, K. and Fissel, D. 2007. Appendix B: Meteorology and climate. In in summer. Tide- and wind-driven mixing are other signiﬁ cant Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: 18p. factors in the supply of nutrients to the ocean surface, and 3 Crawford, W., Johannessen, D., Whitney, F., Birch, R., Borg, K., Fissel, D. and Vagle, S. 2007. Appendix C: Physical and oxygen to bottom waters over the continental shelf. 3 chemical oceanography. In Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: vii + 77 p. 4 Figure modifi ed from Chevron Canada Resources Ltd. 1982. Initial environmental evaluation for renewed petroleum exploration in Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound. 1. Section 1-3. Chevron Canada Resources Ltd.

Offshore circulation in the northeast Paciﬁ c Ocean in winter and summer.4

30 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 9 Sea Surface Currents

Physical Oceanography | 31 10 Watershed Boundaries and Major Drainages

A watershed is a water catchment area. It is bounded by the Certain rivers and watersheds dominate the freshwater height of land and drains to a point on a body of water. One discharge into each of the ocean basins within PNCIMA3: watershed may be contained within another.1 The watersheds

that drain into PNCIMA are infl uenced by the coastal mountains. The mountains collect precipitation as snow and Basin(s) Dominant Mean Annual Time of High ice throughout the winter, to be released as melt water in River Discharge Discharge (Watershed) (m3/s) spring and summer. Most freshwater input into the ocean comes from this melt runoff into mainland watersheds. The Dixon Entrance- Skeena 913.0 May-June timing of this freshwater input is critical for phytoplankton Northern Hecate Nass 821.0 May-June blooms, which are the basis of the marine food web.2 Strait PNCIMA contains many different hydrologic profi les, or water Queen Charlotte Wannock (OWIK) 330.0 June-Aug 2 Sound fl ow characteristics. Stream discharge into PNCIMA can be Dean (LDEN) 134.0 May-June classifi ed into three types: Kitimat (KITR) 131.0 May-June • large watershed streams (e.g. Skeena and Nass rivers) with Bella Coola 93.9 June-Aug high annual discharge peaking with snow melt in spring and (BELA) early summer; Queen Charlotte Mainland: • small to medium watershed streams on the mainland coast Strait-Johnstone Homathko 293.0 June-Aug infl uenced by glacial melt in summer and rainfall in late Strait autumn and winter; and (HOMA) • small watershed streams (e.g. on Haida Gwaii, Vancouver Klinaklini (KLIN) 284.0 June-Aug Island) with low annual discharge dominated by rainfall and E. Vancouver Island: characterized by low summer fl ow and peaks after storms in Campbell 100.0 Nov-Feb autumn and winter.3 (CAMB) The BC Watershed Atlas divides the province into a number of geographic regions called Watershed Groups, to help make the data more manageable. These groups are based on natural Freshwater from the Kemano diversion project also fl ows watershed boundaries that tend to correspond with aquatic into PNCIMA from the Nechako Reservoir via a tunnel to the management and planning regions. Each of these groups Kemano River, and into Gardner Canal south of Kitimat, at an contains a number of other, smaller-order, watersheds.1,4 average rate of 115 m3/s.5,6 This diversion is not displayed on the In addition to the Nass and Skeena watersheds, the codes accompanying map. presented in the map correspond to the following Watershed Groups: Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 Resources Information Standards Committee. 2004. User’s guide to the British Columbia watershed/waterbody identifi er system. Version 3.0. Province of British Columbia, 14pp. 2 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated BELA: Bella Coola River KNIG: Knight Inlet NEVI: Northeast Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104 p. Vancouver Island 3 Crawford, W., Johannessen, D., Whitney, F., Birch, R., Borg, K., Fissel, D. and S. Vagle. 2007. Appendix C: Physical and chemical oceanography. In Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited BRKS: Brooks Peninsula KSHR: Kshwan River NIEL: Niel Creek by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: vii + 77 p. 4 BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. 1996. An introduction to the British Columbia watershed atlas. CAMB: Campbell River KTSU: Kitasu Bay NIMP: Nimpkish River Province of British Columbia, 29pp. 5 Rio Tinto. 2010. Power operations/watershed management. http://www.riotintoalcaninbc.com/pages/our- COMX: Comox KUMR: Kumowdah OWIK: Owikeno Lake products/power-operations-watershed-management.php (Accessed March 2011). River 6 Environment Canada. 2004. Threats to water availability in Canada. NWRI Scientifi c Assessment Report Series No. 3 and ACSD Science Assessment Series No. 1, 128 p. GRAI: Graham Island LDEN: Lower Dean PORI: Porcher Inlet River HOLB: Holberg LRDO: Laredo Sound SALM: Salmon River HOMA: Homathco River MBNK: Middle Banks SEYM: Seymour Inlet Island KEEC: Keecha Creek MORI: Morsby Island TOBA: Toba Inlet KHTZ: Khutze River NASC: Nascall River TSAY: Tsaytis River KITL: Kitlope River NBNK: North Banks TSIT: Tsitika River Island KITR: Kitimat River NECL: Necleetsconnay WORC: Work Channel River KLIN: Klinaklini River

Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Photo: Anuradha Rao

32 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 10 Watershed Boundaries and Major Drainages

Hydrology | 33 11 Salmon Stream Escapement Observations

Pacifi c Salmon Salmon Escapement Data: Proportion of Escapement Observations by Species (1950-2009) The range of Pacifi c salmon extends from southern California, north along the Canadian and Alaskan coasts to rivers draining into the Arctic Ocean, and south along the coasts of Russia, Japan, and Korea. There are eight species of Pacifi c salmon, six of which (sockeye, pink, chum, chinook, coho, and steelhead) are commonly found on the west coast of North America. All six are currently common in freshwater and marine ecosystems of PNCIMA.1 Salmon Escapement Database System (SEDS) Escapement can be defi ned as the number of fi sh returning to spawning grounds to reproduce. NuSEDS is Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Pacifi c Region’s centralized database that holds adult salmon escapement data. It was built to centrally store spawner survey data, spawner abundance data and the linkages between the two. The most commonly Methodology reported data are annual abundance estimates. These are stored against populations which typically have been defi ned NuSEDS is not a spatial database, so for the purposes of the by traditional groupings of fi sh based on freshwater locations accompanying map a spatial dataset was created to display and run timing. These estimates often go back as far as the salmon escapement observations within the PNCIMA region. early 1950s, but there can be huge variation in their reliability. Observational information was obtained for fi ve species of NuSEDS is a revision of a previous database (SEDS).2 salmon (chinook, chum, coho, pink and sockeye) for all DFO Management Areas within PNCIMA. Results were organized Data were collected through surveys consisting of ground level by stream name to display values for all fi ve species surveyed (walk, snorkel, boat) and aerial inspections (helicopter, fi xed within that stream. The breakdown of the data by species is wing), mostly conducted after the mid-1990s.2 presented in the pie chart. To adjust for effort, escapement values were averaged over the number of years a stream was surveyed.2 To convert the dataset to a map, the table of average escapement data was joined to the BC Watershed Atlas using the 1:50,000 BC Provincial Macro Reaches dataset, and the unique Watershed Code key. It is important to note that data displayed on this map do not represent actual fi sh distribution throughout the entire macro reach system. There could be barriers or obstacles present in streams or rivers that inhibit fi sh passage. Actual fi sh distribution may be contained to the lower portion of each macro reach system.2

1 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104 p. 2 Bruce Baxter, NuSEDS Database Administrator, DFO. Personal communication, June 15, 2010.

Photo: DFO/ PBS/ Nanaimo

Chinook mark recapture survey, Khutzemateen. Photo: Coral Cargill

34 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 11 Salmon Stream Escapement Observations

Hydrology | 35 12 Estuaries

Estuaries grebes). Ranking of each estuary was carried out relative to other estuaries, based on their cumulative score with respect Estuaries are diverse and dynamic habitats formed at to fi ve variables: size, habitat rarity, species rarity, waterbird the meeting place of terrestrial, freshwater and marine density, and herring spawn. The ranking was used to calculate ecosystems; commonly, these are areas where rivers meet the a biological importance score for each estuary.2 sea. They are among the world’s most biologically productive ecosystems. Estuaries make up less than The estuaries that ranked high tended to be larger three percent of the BC coast, but are used by 80 Estuaries are than 356 hectares, and had large intertidal delta percent of coastal wildlife.1,2 among the or adjacent saltmarsh areas. Common vegetation included seaweeds such as Ulva and kelp, Estuary functions include the following: world’s most biologically eelgrass (Zostera), and succulent plants such as • Physical processes such as water fi ltration, productive Salicornia. Many high ranking estuaries were also circulation of freshwater and sea water, nutrient characterized by abundant mussels, large and enrichment and cycling and processing of detritus;2,3 ecosystems frequent herring spawn events, and high densities of 2 • Provision of energy for nearshore food webs;2 wintering waterbirds. • Spawning and foraging habitat for invertebrates, including The estuaries identifi ed as having the highest biological juvenile prawns, shrimp and crab;4 importance score in PNCIMA are on the north coast at Big Bay (Georgetown Creek), Kitimat River and the Skeena-Ecstall- • Habitat for larval, juvenile and adult fi sh, including foraging, McNeil River Complex.2 refuge and physiological transition sites for anadromous salmonids, and spawning areas for eulachon and herring;5 It should be noted that the relative importance of estuaries depends on priorities, e.g. birds, fi sh, productivity, rarity. All 5 • Human uses such as sport fi shing; estuaries may be considered equally important for vascular • Wintering, moulting and breeding habitat for waterfowl; plants.6 habitat for species at risk, red- and blue-listed bird species and birds of prey; and staging areas along the migratory Material presented is drawn from the following, including literature reviews which contain primary references: 1 Lucas, B.G., Johannessen, D. and Lindstrom, S. 2007. Appendix E: Marine plants. In Ecosystem overview: 5 corridor for millions of birds; and Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: iv + 23 p. • Rich feeding areas for aquatic and terrestrial mammals 2 Ryder, J.L., Kenyon, J.K., Buff ett, D., Moore, K., Ceh, M. and Stipec, K. 2007. An integrated biophysical including harbour seal, river otter, mink, grey wolf, Sitka deer, assessment of estuarine habitats in British Columbia to assist regional conservation planning. Technical Report Series No. 476. Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacifi c and Yukon Region, British Columbia, 151 pp. 5 black bear and grizzly bear. 3 Crawford, W., Johannessen, D., Whitney, F., Birch, R., Borg, K., Fissel, D. and Vagle, S. 2007. Appendix C: Physical and chemical oceanography. In Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area Relative Importance of Estuaries (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S., and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: vii + 77 p. 4 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated In BC, the Pacifi c Estuary Conservation Program (PECP) is Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. responsible for securing and enhancing estuary habitats of 5 MacKenzie, W., Remington, D. and Shaw, J. 2000. Estuaries of the North Coast of British Columbia: a reconaissance survey of selected sites, May 1, 2000. A Cooperative Project of the Ministry of Environment, Lands conservation importance. The accompanying map presents and Parks and the Ministry of Forests, Research Branch. Province of British Columbia, 98p. estuaries ranked by PECP partners for their biological 6 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011). importance to waterbirds (ducks, geese, swans, loons and

Photo: Steve Diggon

36 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 12 Estuaries

Ecological | 37 13 Areas of Marine Protection

Areas of marine protection are legally established to protect a National Parks and National Marine Conservation Areas portion of the sea surface, water column and/or seabed. They (Parks Canada Agency: Canada National Parks Act and Canada may be designated to protect associated plants, animals, or National Marine Conservation Areas Act) commercial, recreational, scientifi c, cultural and/or historical The goal of National Parks is to protect a representative features. Each area is established under a federal or provincial example of each of Canada’s 39 terrestrial natural regions. statute.1 They are managed to allow human uses that enhance BC Parks, Conservancies and Ecological Reserves appreciation, enjoyment and understanding while preserving (Province of BC: Park Act, Environment and Land Use Act, the ecological integrity of the Park.1 Gwaii Haanas National Ecological Reserves Act and Wildlife Act) Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site6 is the only national park within PNCIMA. BC Provincial Parks seek to preserve representative BC ecosystems, and special natural, cultural and recreation A National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) is established features; and to provide outdoor recreation for the to protect and conserve a representative example of public in natural environments. Provincial Protected Areas of each of the 29 diverse marine regions in Canada’s Areas are intended to protect representative oceans, as well as the Great Lakes. NMCAs combine examples of: ecosystems; recreational and cultural marine zones of high protection with larger areas where heritage; and special natural, cultural heritage and protection in ecologically sound activities such as sustainable recreational features.2 There are 152 Provincial PNCIMA were fi shing are permitted.1 Exploration and development Parks and 15 Protected Areas at least partially established of non-renewable resources and ocean dumping located within PNCIMA that include land, foreshore under a federal are prohibited throughout NMCAs. In June 2010, and offshore areas. the Gwaii Haanas NMCA Reserve and Haida or provincial Heritage Site became Canada’s fi rst NMCA formally Conservancies are set aside for protection of statute established under the Canada NMCA Act. It adds biological diversity, natural environments and 3500 km2 of protected seascape to the adjacent recreational values, and the preservation and (terrestrial) Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve maintenance of First Nations’ social, ceremonial and cultural and Haida Heritage Site. uses.2 In PNCIMA there are 144 conservancies that include land, foreshore and offshore areas. As part of the PNCIMA process, Parks Canada also plans to select a NMCA candidate to represent the Queen Charlotte Ecological Reserves are designated for ecological purposes, Sound marine region. and include areas suitable for research and education, that are: representative of natural ecosystems in BC, examples of National Wildlife Areas modifi ed environments that can be studied for their recovery, (Environment Canada: Canada Wildlife Act) and habitats of rare, endangered or unique species.2 In National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) are designated for research, PNCIMA there are 31 Ecological Reserves that include land, conservation and interpretation concerning wildlife and foreshore and offshore areas. wildlife habitat, particularly migratory birds and endangered Wildlife Management Areas are designated to conserve and species. In PNCIMA, a NWA is being proposed for the marine protect fi sh, wildlife and their habitats.2 Four of these are area around the Scott Islands, located off the northwest tip of within PNCIMA or the watersheds that drain into it, and are Vancouver Island, which together support the largest seabird intended for managing important bird habitat. breeding colonies on Canada’s Pacifi c coast. NWA designation will permit only those human activities that are consistent Rockfi sh Conservation Areas with the conservation objectives established for the area. A (Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Fisheries Act) boundary for the proposed NWA had not been fi nalized at the Declines in the abundance of some inshore rockfi sh time of writing, so it does not appear on the accompanying populations resulted in the creation of Rockfi sh Conservation map.7 Areas (RCAs) to preserve rockfi sh biomass. Therefore, fi shing activities which may affect rockfi sh populations are limited Material presented is drawn from the following, including literature reviews which contain primary references: within RCAs. There are 192 RCAs in BC, and 79 of those are 1 Lucas, B.G., Johannessen, D. and Lindstrom, S. 2007. Appendix E: Marine plants. In Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c within PNCIMA.3 Twenty percent of estimated rockfi sh habitat North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: iv + 23 p. is intended for inclusion in RCAs in outside BC waters, which 2 Ryder, J.L., Kenyon, J.K., Buff ett, D., Moore, K., Ceh, M. and Stipec, K. 2007. An integrated biophysical include PNCIMA. assessment of estuarine habitats in British Columbia to assist regional conservation planning. Technical Report Series No. 476. Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacifi c and Yukon Region, British Columbia, 151 pp. Sponge Reef Fishery Closures 3 Crawford, W., Johannessen, D., Whitney, F., Birch, R., Borg, K., Fissel, D. and Vagle, S. 2007. Appendix C: Physical and chemical oceanography. In Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). (Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Fisheries Act) Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S., and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: vii + 77 p. 4 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Large sponge reefs were discovered in the deep troughs of Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. Queen Charlotte Sound in 1987.4 There are fi ve known reef 5 MacKenzie, W., Remington, D. and Shaw, J. 2000. Estuaries of the North Coast of British Columbia: a reconaissance survey of selected sites, May 1, 2000. A Cooperative Project of the Ministry of Environment, Lands complexes, each one globally unique and highly sensitive to and Parks and the Ministry of Forests, Research Branch. Province of British Columbia, 98p. disturbance. The reefs were closed to groundfi sh trawl fi shing 6 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011). in 2002. In 2006 the closures were expanded with respect 7 Stadel, A., Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada. Personal communication, April 2011. to size and gear restrictions. The reefs are also currently a candidate Oceans Act Marine Protected Area.5

38 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 13 Areas of Marine Protection

Ecological | 39 14 Ecologically and Biologically Signifi cant Areas

How EBSAs Were Identifi ed for their overlap with the identifi ed IAs. Oceanographic features were chosen because they drive productivity in Ecologically and Biologically Signifi cant Areas (EBSAs) are PNCIMA and support food chains. Bottleneck areas were defi ned as areas worthy of enhanced management or risk chosen for their concentration of migrating species such as aversion.1 The identifi cation of EBSAs for PNCIMA was salmon. Sponge communities were selected for their own completed in two phases.2,3 global uniqueness, the unique communities they In Phase I, the identifi cation of Important Areas EBSAs are support and their low resilience to disturbance.3 (IAs), scientifi c experts were interviewed to areas that may River mouths and estuaries were also deemed determine signifi cant areas.2 The assessment signifi cant in PNCIMA but there was insuffi cient of these areas was based on one or more of be worthy information to rank them. With more information, fi ve criteria: uniqueness, aggregation, fi tness of enhanced some rivers or estuaries may be considered as consequences, naturalness and resilience.1 An management EBSAs. It was recommended that PNCIMA rivers EBSA is identifi ed if it ranks high in one of the fi rst or risk aversion and estuaries be considered for identifi cation three criteria and can be weighted higher or lower exercises at the Coastal Management Area scale.3 by either naturalness or resilience. The selection and examination of species and groups were largely driven A total of 15 features were highlighted for PNCIMA and by the information that was available, much of which was submitted as EBSAs. Seventy-three percent of the original IAs fi sheries-based.2 overlapped with the fi nal EBSAs.3 In Phase I, a total of 40 thematic layers were produced, EBSAs in PNCIMA depicting IAs for 144 species. The thematic layers included The EBSAs identifi ed for PNCIMA are: 1) Hecate Strait Front, 2) groundfi sh, pelagic fi sh, marine mammals, invertebrates, McIntyre Bay, 3) Dogfi sh Bank, 4) Learmouth Bank, 5) Brooks sponge reefs and oceanographic features. When viewed Peninsula, 6) Cape St James, 7) Shelf Break, 8) Scott Islands, together, IAs cover almost all of PNCIMA.2 9) North Island Straits, 10 to 13) Sponge Reefs, 14) Chatham In Phase II, unique physical features of PNCIMA were analysed Sound and 15) Caamano Sound. Those with the highest overlap with the IAs identifi ed in Phase I include the large Shelf Break, Scott Islands and Chatham Sound.3 A list of the EBSAs on the map by number and the rationale why they were identifi ed are presented in the table at the bottom of the page.3

Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 DFO. 2004. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Stock Status Report. 2004/051 2 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2007. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase I - identifi cation of important areas. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2678. 89pp. 3 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2007. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase II – fi nal report. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2686. 25pp.

Triangle Island, Scott Islands. Photo: Jack Mathias

Ecologically and Biologically Signiﬁ cant Areas in PNCIMA3

Number on Map Name Rationale for Identifi cation 1 Hecate Strait Front A tidal front that accumulates productivity. 2 McIntyre Bay Eddies in this area support crab larvae and concentrate plankton, which support a wide range of species. 3 Dogfi sh Banks The largest shallow bank in PNCIMA acts as a larval rearing ground for macroinvertebrates. 4 Learmouth Bank An isolated bank that traps plankton in the region. 5 Brooks Peninsula A source of off shore fl ow, this peninsula is the north-south range boundary for many species. 6 Cape St James The formation of Haida eddies concentrates plankton and transports this productivity into the Gulf of Alaska. 7 Shelf Break The upper continental shelf break and deep troughs which support the aggregation of macrozooplankton. 8 Scott Islands An area of tidal mixing that drives high productivity which supports many marine and terrestrial species. 9 North Island Straits A bottleneck area which serves as an important migration corridor. 10-13 Sponge Reefs Sponge reefs found in the deep water troughs are globally unique, long-lived and highly sensitive to disturbance. 14 Chatham Sound Coastal tidal mixing and upwelling in this area drives high productivity seasonally. 15 Caamano Sound A second area of coastal tidal mixing and upwelling which serves to increase productivity.

40 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 14 Ecologically and Biologically Signifi cant Areas

Ecological | 41 15 Eelgrass Distribution

Eelgrass Eelgrass Mapping Seagrasses are fl owering plants that live in the ocean. The Since 2000, eelgrass mapping efforts have been led by the BC native species of seagrass present in PNCIMA is Zostera Seagrass Conservation Working Group, a non-governmental marina, or eelgrass. Eelgrass meadows form in soft sediments organization. An eelgrass atlas is available through the such as sand and mud (although north of Campbell River they Community Mapping Network. Various stewardship groups, are also found in areas with rock), in lower intertidal First Nations, non-governmental organizations and and shallow subtidal zones. They are primarily private companies have carried out eelgrass survey located in sheltered areas.1,2 Different “ecotypes”, or Eelgrass beds activities in the province.1 As of 2006, a complete variants, of the species occur at different depths.3 are sensitive dataset of seagrasses did not exist for the PNCIMA region.5 Eelgrass is one of the most ecologically important and provide aquatic plants in the PNCIMA region, and eelgrass essential Data displayed on the accompanying map beds are a major nearshore habitat.4 Eelgrass beds habitat for include eelgrass data compiled by the BCMCA in stabilize sediment and prevent shoreline erosion; many marine 2009 as well as data from the Province of BC’s slow local currents, which increases the supply organisms Shorezone Mapping System.BCMCA data were of drifting phytoplankton and algae (the basis of collected, merged, and dissolved by species from the marine food web); and play a role in nutrient the following sources: Fisheries and Oceans cycling.1 Canada Quatsino Sound eelgrass data, Parks Canada Pacifi c Rim data, provincial shore-zone mapping and Land Use Eelgrass beds are also very productive ecosystems; they Coordination Offi ce/Decision Support Services oil spill atlas provide complex and essential habitat for a large quantity of data, Community Mapping Network eelgrass data, and Living organisms. For example, waterfowl feed on eelgrass; a variety Oceans Society eelgrass data. Data from the Province of BC’s of invertebrates and microscopic organisms live on the blades; Shorezone Mapping System are displayed using bioband crustaceans feed on decomposing organic material within the shoreline units where eelgrass was observed and coverage beds; and invertebrates such as sea cucumbers, and fi sh such was rated as either patchy (visible in less than 50% of the as herring and juvenile salmon, lingcod and pollock use the shoreline unit) or continuous (visible in greater than 50% of the beds for cover and shelter.1,4,5 The plant has also been used as shoreline unit). food and a source of herring spawn by several First Nations.6 The most ecologically signifi cant eelgrass beds are those with Data displayed in the map were collected over a wide date the highest productivity, density and stability.7 range (BCMCA: 1890 to 2008; Shorezone Mapping System: 1979 to 2008), by many people for different purposes, and Eelgrass beds are extremely sensitive to many types of human using different survey techniques and methods. Survey effort activities and environmental change,1 including reduction of is not consistent throughout all areas. Areas with no data may water clarity, smothering, uprooting, physical damage, shading not have been surveyed; these data gaps are not necessarily and pollution.8 indicative of an absence of eelgrass.2

Material presented is drawn from the following, including literature reviews which contain primary references: 1 Lucas, B.G., Johannessen, D. and Lindstrom, S. 2007. Appendix E: Marine plants. In Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S., and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: iv + 23 p. 2 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011). 3 Precision Identifi cation Biological Consultants. 2002. Methods for mapping and monitoring eelgrass habitat in British Columbia. Draft 4. Environment Canada, 41pp. 4 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S., and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. 5 Butler, R. 2003. The Jade Coast: the ecology of the North Pacifi c ocean. Key Porter Books: Toronto. 6 Turner, N.J. 1995. Food plants of coastal First Peoples. UBC Press: Vancouver. 7 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase I – identifi cation of important areas. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2678: vi + 89 p. 8 Short, F.T. and Wyllie-Echeverria, S. 1996. Natural and human-induced disturbance of seagrasses. Environmental Conservation 23(1): 17-27.

Juvenile copper rockfi sh in eelgrass bed. Photo: Sharon Jeff ery

Eelgrass bed, Vancouver Island. Photo: Ramona de Graaf

42 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 15 Eelgrass Distribution

Ecological | 43 16 Kelp Distribution

Kelp Kelp beds slow local currents, generate turbulence and thereby increase the amount of phytoplankton drifting in the Kelp refers to several types of brown algae. They range in water, a fundamental component of the marine food web.2 depth from mid intertidal to subtidal zones. The BC coast is known to host 27 species of kelp, including the largest known Large kelp species are the most harvested aquatic algae in BC, marine algae, bull kelp (Nereocystis spp.) and giant kelp largely to support the spawn on kelp fi shery.4 (Macrocystis spp.).1 Kelp Mapping Kelp beds in temperate areas are some of the most Kelp beds Most of the PNCIMA coast has not been surveyed biologically productive ecosystems in the world; provide for kelp, so absence on the map does not they provide complex and essential habitat for a necessarily signify absence of kelp.1 Most historic large quantity of organisms. In particular, they complex and kelp assessments have focused on commercially provide spawning and nursery habitat for fi sh and essential harvested bull and giant kelp species, for which the invertebrates, and provide carbon to nearshore habitat for total standing stock is approximately one million ecosystems.1,2 many diff erent tonnes.3 Kelp beds have been identifi ed as major nearshore organisms The data in the accompanying map are presented habitats due to their productivity and sensitivity as “kelp”. This includes bull kelp and giant kelp but to human activities.1,2 Kelp is sensitive to changes also includes data sets in which there was no indication of in water temperature, nutrient and chemical levels, and species. reduction of water quality and clarity.3 Notable species that use kelp beds include crabs, sea urchins, abalone, sand lance, surf smelt, rockfi sh, herring and salmon. Kelp beds are used in many different species life stages. For example, herring eggs are found among kelp; lingcod larvae settle onto bottom substrates near beds in inshore areas; northern abalone use kelp beds for spawning, rearing juveniles and foraging; invertebrates, and juvenile salmon and herring use them for cover and shelter from predators; and sea otters use them for resting and foraging. Kelp also provides habitat for black rockfi sh.1,2 Kelp. Photo: Hilary Ibey

Data displayed on the accompanying map include kelp data compiled by the BCMCA in 2009 as well as data from the Province of BC’s Shorezone Mapping System. BCMCA data were collected, merged, and dissolved by species using the following sources: provincial (Land Use Coordination Offi ce) kelp data based on aerial overfl ights and Canadian Hydrographic Service chart data, Living Oceans Society kelp data, and Parks Canada Pacifi c Rim data. Data from the Province of BC’s Shorezone Mapping System are displayed using bioband shoreline units where either giant kelp or bull kelp were observed and coverage was rated as either ‘patchy’ (visible in less than 50% of the shoreline unit) or ‘continuous’ (visible in greater than 50% of the shoreline unit). Photo: Neil Davis Data displayed on the map were collected over a wide date range (BCMCA: 1897 to 2008; Shorezone Mapping System: 1979-2008) by many people for different purposes, using different survey techniques and methods. Survey effort is not consistent throughout all areas and some species tend to be under-represented by some survey methods. Areas in which no data are displayed may not have been surveyed; these data gaps are not necessarily indicative of an absence of kelp.5

Material presented is drawn from the following, including literature reviews which contain primary references: 1 Lucas, B.G., Johannessen, D. and Lindstrom, S. 2007. Appendix E: Marine plants. In Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S., and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: iv + 23 p. 2 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. 3 Steneck, R.S., Graham, M.H., Bourque, B.J., Corbett, D., Erlandson, J.M., Estes, J.A. and Tegner, M.J. 2002. Kelp forest ecosystems: biodiversity, stability, resilience and future. Env. Cons. 29(4): 436-459. 4 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. 5 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of Bull kelp. Photo: Neil Davis the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011).

44 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 16 Kelp Distribution

Ecological | 45 17 Sponge and Coral Important Areas

Important Areas (IAs) were identifi ed for sponges sponge IAs are considered to be of moderate value because (Hexactinellid reefs and cloud sponge communities) and of their possible regional and national uniqueness, and the corals in 2006 by interviewing experts and considering relevant aggregation of unique communities associated with the literature. This was done during the process of establishing complexity of their structures. The possible cloud sponge IAs Ecologically and Biologically Signifi cant Areas mapped are actually larger than those identifi ed by (EBSAs) in PNCIMA. As structure-forming species, the subject fi eld experts in order to display them in sponges and corals provide highly complex Corals and the small scale map.1 habitat and are likely to support diverse species sponges Corals communities. Because they are long-lived and are highly slow-growing, they are highly vulnerable to human Coldwater corals are a diverse group of sessile, activities.1 vulnerable benthic (bottom-dwelling) animals that have adapted to human to the cold, dark, extreme marine environments Sponges activities found within PNCIMA. Sponges are sessile (non-moving) animals that The identifi cation of aggregations of corals in BC form unique three-dimensional living habitat to date is based on the analysis of groundfi sh trawl structures. They are found from the intertidal zone to the deep by-catch data. These data identify 12 areas that contain 90 sea abyss, including seamounts. There are three living classes percent of the coral and sponge trawl by-catch by weight. Nine of sponges: Calcarea, Hexactinellida and Desmospongiae. of these areas fall within PNCIMA; all of them were identifi ed Representatives of each class are found in PNCIMA. as IAs.1 At the time of writing, there are no coral species listed Fishery management closures have been implemented in under SARA, although corals are listed by other countries and PNCIMA to protect known sponge reefs from bottom trawl the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species fi shing in an area currently covering 1830 km2. The locations of Flora and Fauna.7 of all known sponge reef representatives were considered to Cold-water corals in PNCIMA live on substrates between the be IAs; however, there are currently no sponge species listed intertidal zone and the deep sea. Cold-water coral structures under Species at Risk Act (SARA) legislation.2 range from small, solitary individuals to large colonies and Hexactinellid (Glass) Sponge Reefs reefs. Hexactinellid sponges are commonly referred to as glass Corals are considered to be important components of sponges because about 90 percent of their dry weight is hard-bottom environments because they make them more glass or silica.3,4 The fi ve known PNCIMA glass sponge reef structurally complex and provide topographic relief8, which complexes are structures globally unique to BC. They occur in attracts fi sh and invertebrates. Corals may be referred to Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound. While only recently as foundation species because they play an important role discovered in 1987, these sponge reefs are believed to be in modifying habitat, altering water movement patterns and hundreds, if not thousands, of years old.1 infl uencing the supply of food and larvae.2 The existence and formation of glass sponge reefs requires the combination of a unique geological setting along with the 1 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase I – identifi cation of important areas. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. occurrence of particular Hexactinellida sponge species. These Sci. 2678: vi + 89 p. species are typically found in deep water, and they prefer 2 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. Appendix F. habitats with high dissolved silica levels, low light levels, 3 Dayton, P.K., Robilliard, G.A, Paine, R.T. and Dayton, L.B. 1974. Biological accommodation in the benthic cold temperatures and substrates with little to no sediment community at McMurdo Sound Antarctica. Ecol. Monographs 44: 105-128. 4 Austin, W.C. 1984. Underwater birdwatching. In: Proceedings of a multidisciplinary symposium on Saanich Inlet. accumulation. The reefs are known to attract a multitude of Edited by Juniper, S.K. and Brinkurst, R.O. Canadian Tech. Rept. of Hydrogr. and Ocean Sci. No.38,104pp. other invertebrate animals such as tunicates, sea stars, brittle 5 Refugia are places where a species or community may continue to exist, even if environmental change is occurring stars, gastropods, polychaetes, amphipods and arthropods in other places where it occurs. 6 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the (shrimp, crabs and barnacles). Various fi sh species have also British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011). been noted to use the three-dimensional rigid structures as 7 CITES. 2011. CITES species database. http://www.cites.org/eng/resources/species.html (Accessed February 2011). 8 Relief is the diff erence in elevation between the high and low points of a surface; changes in terrain; or elevations 5 2 refugia and to lay their eggs. or depressions in the land. Survey effort is not consistent across all planning units or areas. Areas with no data may not have been surveyed; these data gaps are not necessarily indicative of an absence of sponge reefs.6 Cloud Sponges Cloud sponges are a type of glass sponge. Upwelling of cold seawater appears to be an important factor for the formation of boot and cloud sponge communities.1 While no cloud sponge communities have been physically identifi ed within PNCIMA, possible IAs were identifi ed in areas within PNCIMA. These areas possess similar conditions to areas in Howe Sound and the Georgia Basin where cloud Left: Sponge. Right: Coral. sponge communities were recently discovered. Cloud Photos: DFO Science

46 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 17 Sponge and Coral Important Areas

Ecological | 47 18 Sea Otter and Pinniped Important Areas

Important Areas (IAs) were identifi ed for sea otters, Northern fur seals and Steller sea lions in 2006 through interviewing subject fi eld experts and considering relevant literature during the process of establishing Ecologically and Biologically Signifi cant Areas (EBSAs) in PNCIMA.1 Sea Otters By 1929, sea otters (Enhydra lutris) had been hunted to extinction in BC. They were reintroduced between 1969 and 1972.1 As of 2004, the BC sea otter population included a minimum of 500 animals on the central BC coast and 2,700 along the west coast of Vancouver Island. As the population increases in size, so too will its geographic range of occupation.2 Sea otters are designated as being of Special (l to r) Northern fur seal, sea otter, (below) Steller sea lion. Concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Photos: Mueller Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and under the Species At Risk Act (SARA).2,3 The northern area of Hecate Strait is considered an important feeding area for a dense aggregation of fur seals, along Sea otters are considered a nearshore species, typically with a second feeding area between the overlapping waters occurring within one to two km from shore in waters less surrounding the Scott Islands and Queen Charlotte Sound.1 than 40 m deep. They are non-migratory and individuals occupy small overlapping home ranges in the order of tens of Steller Sea Lion kilometres of shoreline. Sea otters feed on invertebrates such As of 2005, the Steller sea lion as sea urchins, bivalves, snails, chitons, crabs and sea stars (Eumetopias jubatus) population in depths of 30 m or less. Kelp beds are important resting and was estimated at 18,400 to 2 foraging habitat for sea otters. 19,700 within BC. The Steller Sea otters occur within PNCIMA in two areas. As of 2004, these sea lion is currently designated areas were along the north and northwest coast of Vancouver as being of Special Concern by Island and on the central BC coast from the Goose Island COSEWIC and under SARA.2,3 Group to Milbanke Sound. All shallow water habitats found Steller sea lions require land within PNCIMA can be considered potential sea otter habitat, sites for breeding rookeries, 1 however. year-round haulouts and Pinnipeds winter haulouts.2 Steller sea lion haulouts and breeding Five species of pinnipeds are found within PNCIMA: Steller and rookeries are generally within California sea lions, Northern fur seals, Northern elephant 60 km from a shoreline and are located throughout PNCIMA. seals, and Pacifi c harbour seals. Steller sea lions and harbour seals occur year round and breed within PNCIMA. All other There are only four known rookeries in BC waters, all of which species are seasonal migrants, although individuals may also are within PNCIMA. The waters surrounding the Scott Islands remain year round. Habitat requirements for pinnipeds are is an area of signifi cant tidal mixing where high productivity land sites such as isolated regions, islets or rocks with water supports the largest Steller sea lion breeding rookery in BC.5 access and refuge from adverse weather conditions that allow Cape St. James off the southern tip of Haida Gwaii is known for hauling out, breeding and rearing.2 for its Haida eddies, where plankton is highly concentrated and is the main resource for the second largest rookery. The four The location of pinniped haulouts differs among species and rookeries and their surrounding waters (20 km radii) were all is affected by the size of foraging grounds available around identifi ed as IAs.1 each haulout area.1 Information available at present does not support identifi cation of IAs for California sea lions, harbour There are approximately 25 year-round haulout sites in BC, seals or elephant seals.4 16 of them falling within PNCIMA. These 16 sites and the surrounding waters used for foraging (50 km radii) were also Northern Fur Seal identifi ed as IAs for this species.1 The north Pacifi c population of Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) was estimated at 888,000 individuals in 2005. Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: Currently, the Northern fur seal is designated as Threatened 1 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase I – identifi cation of important areas. Can. Tech. Rep. 2,3 by COSEWIC, but is not listed under SARA. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2678: vi + 89 p. 2 Heise, K., Ford, J. and Olesiuk, P. 2007. Appendix J: Marine mammals and turtles. In Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c The Northern fur seal is a pelagic species, spending only a North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. Can. Tech. short period of time on land for breeding purposes, typically in Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: iv + 35 p. 3 The Species at Risk Act (SARA) was created to protect species under threat of extinction. Species are assessed the Bering Sea, during summer. At other times, they are widely by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), then by the federal government, dispersed throughout the North Pacifi c, within 20 to 150 km of based upon scientifi c information and consultations, to determine whether those species receive legal protection under SARA. shore. It is believed that half of the population may pass along 4 Cathryn Clarke Murray, EBSA Phase I and II reports co-author. Personal communication, February 2009. the BC coast during its annual migration, particularly along 5 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the 2 Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase II – fi nal report. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2686: the west coast of Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii. v + 25 p.

48 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 18 Sea Otter and Pinniped Important Areas

Ecological | 49 19 Grey, Sperm and Humpback Whale Important Areas

Important Areas (IAs) were identifi ed for grey, sperm and humpback whales in 2006 by interviewing experts and considering relevant literature during the process of establishing Ecologically and Biologically Signifi cant Areas (EBSAs) in PNCIMA.1 These large cetacean species range over extensive ocean areas, with the two baleen whale species (grey, humpback) breeding in warmer low latitudes and moving Grey whale. Illustration: A. Denbigh northward to feed in mid- to high-latitude areas. Canada’s Pacifi c waters, including the areas within PNCIMA, represent feeding areas for these species.1,2 Grey whale The Eastern North Pacifi c grey whale (Eschrichtius robustus) had an estimated population of 18,800 in 2005. While the Sperm whale. Illustration: A. Denbigh Pacifi c grey whale population has generally recovered from the effects of exploitation, the Eastern North Pacifi c population is listed as Special Concern under the Species at Risk Act (SARA)2,3 and by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).4 Grey whales frequent PNCIMA during their 15,000 to 20,000 km round trip migration from breeding areas in Baja California, Mexico to foraging areas in the Bering Sea. The grey whale Humpback whale. Illustration: A. Denbigh forages in shallow nearshore habitats, particularly in areas of soft sediment where they feed on benthic invertebrates. In Humpback whale nearhsore habitats, grey whales also feed on dense aggregations Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have an estimated of prey such as herring roe, shrimp or crab larvae.2 population of 18,302 throughout the North Pacifi c based on Most grey whales migrate north from February to data obtained between 2004 and 2008.6 A local May, traveling and feeding along the west coast These large population of 1,970 to 2,331 humpback whales has of Vancouver Island, and along the west and east cetacean been estimated to occur in BC waters.7 Following the 5 coasts of Haida Gwaii. From December to January, species range cessation of whaling, humpback sightings began to whales return to their breeding grounds. Some increase slowly along the BC coast. The humpback northbound animals stop to forage en route. over extensive whale’s North Pacifi c population is currently listed Feeding aggregations of grey whales, representing ocean areas as Threatened under SARA and by COSEWIC.2,3,4 approximately one percent of the population, remain Humpbacks can be found year-round within throughout the summer in nearshore habitat from PNCIMA, with peak abundance between May and October, after northern California to southeast Alaska. Along the BC coast, which most whales migrate to low-latitude breeding areas, feeding grey whales are encountered along the north and west for example Hawaii and Mexico.1,2 Historical whaling records coast of Vancouver Island, the central coast area around Cape and recent sighting data indicate that humpback whales make Caution and Skidegate Inlet.2 extensive use of much of PNCIMA, particularly Dixon Entrance Sperm whale and nearshore areas of the central coast and Haida Gwaii.2 Cape St. James was identifi ed through historical whaling There are no reliable population estimates for sperm whales records as an IA; its Haida eddies and concentrated areas of (Physeter macrocephalus) in the northeast Pacifi c Ocean. There plankton make it attractive to feeding humpbacks. The Shelf is a minimum population estimate of 885 whales in the waters Break in Queen Charlotte Sound was also identifi ed as an off California, Oregon and Washington based on surveys important feeding area.5 conducted in 1996 and 2001.2 Sperm whales were relatively abundant within PNCIMA during the commercial whaling era. Though less common now, they continue to be found in the 1 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase I – identifi cation of important areas. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. same areas that they frequented prior to commercial whaling, 2678: vi + 89 p. such as the continental shelf and slope.1 Globally, sperm 2 Heise, K., Ford, J. and Olesiuk, P. 2007. Appendix J: Marine mammals and turtles. In Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. whales are listed as Vulnerable by the International Union Aquat. Sci. 2667: iv + 35 p. for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but they are not listed by 3 The Species at Risk Act was created to protect species under threat of extinction. Species are assessed by the COSEWIC or under SARA.2,3,4 Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, then by the federal government, based upon scientifi c information and consultations, to determine whether those species receive legal protection under SARA. 4 COSEWIC. 2011. Wildlife species search. http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct1/searchform_e.cfm (Accessed February Sperm whales typically occupy deep waters (>1000 m depths) 2011). where they feed on deep diving prey such as giant squid and 5 Clarke, C.L., and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c colossal squid. Males tend to move further inshore during North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase II – fi nal report. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2686: v + 25 p. 6 Calambokidis, J., Falcone, E.A., Quinn, T.J., Burdin, A.M., Clapham, P.J., Ford, J.K.B., Gabriele, C.M., LeDuc, R., 1 summer months to feed. Calving may occur in offshore waters Mattila, D., Rojas-Bracho, L., Straley, J.M., Taylor, B.L., Urbán R., J., Weller, D., Witteveen, B.H., Yamaguchi, M., Bendlin, where females and juveniles reside.2 A., Camacho, D., Flynn, K., Havron, A., Huggins, J., Maloney, N., Barlow, J. and Wade, P.R. 2008. SPLASH: structure of populations, levels of abundance and status of humpback whales in the North Pacifi c. Final report for Contract AB133F-03-RP-00078. U.S. Dept of Commerce. 57 pp. 7 Rambeau, A. L. 2008. Determining abundance and stock structure for a widespread, migratory animal: the case of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in British Columbia, Canada MSc, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.

50 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 19 Grey, Sperm and Humpback Whale Important Areas

Ecological | 51 20 Blue, Sei and Fin Whale Important Areas

Important Areas (IAs) were identifi ed for blue, sei and fi n whales in 2006 through interviewing experts and considering relevant literature during the process of establishing Ecologically and Biologically Signifi cant Areas (EBSAs) in PNCIMA. These cetacean species range over large ocean Blue whale. Illustration: A. Denbigh areas. To feed, in particular, on zooplankton these species are thought to move to mid- and high-latitudes during seasons when productivity is high. Canada’s Pacifi c waters, including PNCIMA, represent feeding areas for these species. Breeding is thought to occur in warmer latitudes. These species were once abundant here, as evidenced by catch records from BC’s whaling era (1905 to 1967).1 Sei whale. Illustration: A. Denbigh Blue Whale The eastern north Pacifi c blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) has an estimated minimum population of 1,384 individuals based on surveys conducted off California, Oregon and Washington between 1996 to 2002. Analyses of acoustic data suggest that there are at least two populations of blue whales Fin whale. Illustration: A. Denbigh in the North Pacifi c, an eastern North Pacifi c population and a central/western North Pacifi c population.2 The Pacifi c population of blue whales, as defi ned by the Committee on the Fin Whale Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), is listed There are no completed estimates of the current abundance of as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and by fi n whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the northeastern COSEWIC.1,3,4 Pacifi c. Surveys conducted off California, Oregon and Blue whales are still relatively rare within PNCIMA, Blue, sei and Washington in 1996 and 2001 indicate a minimum and much of what is known about them comes from fi n whales of 2,541 in that region, while there is a minimum analyses of historical whaling records. These records are species at estimate for Alaska of 5,703 from surveys in 1999 to 2003. The fi n whale is currently listed as being of reveal that blue whales were mainly found along risk the edge of the productive continental shelf, and in Special Concern under SARA. Its Pacifi c population is 2,3,4 the open Pacifi c.2 Sightings of blue whales within listed as Threatened by COSEWIC and SARA. PNCIMA have been recorded since 1972. Their most western Fin whales were taken in great numbers during BC’s whaling extent extends beyond PNCIMA, and is not shown on the era. They were taken from areas in Hecate Strait, Dixon accompanying map.5 Entrance, and along the continental slope, particularly Based on physical modelling and whaling data, the continental between Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii. Although less shelf break and offshore areas were identifi ed as critical commonly encountered now, recent sightings of fi n whales are habitat and an IA for blue whales.1 consistent with their historical geographical extent and also reveal that these whales may be present year round in BC. Sei Whale The IA for this species in PNCIMA includes predicted critical The sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) was heavily harvested, habitat on the continental shelf break, and Moresby Trough particularly during the fi nal years of commercial whaling and Dixon Entrance where aggregations of whales have been in BC (1962 to 1967), and continued to be heavily hunted in recorded in historical whaling data and recent sightings.1 the northeast Pacifi c until 1975. In Canada’s Pacifi c waters,

sei whales appear to have inhabited areas primarily off Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: the continental slope. The species is now rarely seen. The 1 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase I – Identifi cation of important areas. Can. Tech. Rep. minimum estimate off the California, Oregon and Washington Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2678: vi + 89 p. coast is 35 sei whales based on surveys conducted in 1996 and 2 Heise, K., Ford, J. and Olesiuk, P. 2007. Appendix J: Marine mammals and turtles. In Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c 2 North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. Can. Tech. 2001. The Pacifi c population of the sei whale is currently listed Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: iv + 35 p. as Endangered under SARA1,3 and by COSEWIC.4 3 The Species at Risk Act (SARA) was created to protect species under threat of extinction. Species are assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), then by the federal government, Based on historical catch records and modelling of based upon scientifi c information and consultations, to determine whether those species receive legal protection under SARA. oceanographic variables, the continental shelf break and 4 COSEWIC. 2011. Wildlife species search. http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct1/searchform_e.cfm (Accessed offshore waters of BC have been identifi ed as potentially February 2011). important habitat for sei whales and were identifi ed as an IA 5 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase II – fi nal report. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2686: 1 for this species. v + 25 p.

52 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 20 Blue, Sei and Fin Whale Important Areas

Ecological | 53 21 Killer Whale Important Areas and Critical Habitat

Killer Whales identifi ed as moderately important areas. Lack of information about the transient and offshore populations have resulted in Three populations or ecotypes of killer whales (Orcinus orca) no IAs identifi ed for those populations at the time of writing.3,5 are known: resident, transient and offshore. Resident killer whales in BC are further divided into northern Critical Habitat residents and southern residents, with estimated A recommendation of critical habitat for northern populations of 205 and 85 respectively.1 The PNCIMA residents was made based on analyses of northern resident population is found year round contains information on killer whale movement patterns in the coastal waters of PNCIMA. The transient critical habitat and habitat. Critical habitat areas coincide with the population of killer whales is estimated at 220 for killer migration route of chinook salmon, the preferred individuals. This population can be found throughout prey species of resident killer whales, and contain PNCIMA, but unlike resident killer whales, its whales locations used by these whales for resting, distribution is unpredictable. Offshore killer whales socializing, mating and beach rubbing.4 are encountered relatively infrequently and have an estimated population of 250 individuals.2 As its name indicates, The critical habitat covers approximately 905 km2 and is this population spends most of its time along the outer centred in Johnstone Strait where 90 percent of northern continental shelf and in offshore waters throughout PNCIMA.2,3 resident whale observations have been recorded.4 In 2009, protection of this critical habitat came into law as a regulatory All three populations of killer whales found in PNCIMA have order under SARA.7 Three additional areas were identifi ed as been listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) because of potential critical habitat, but there was insuffi cient information their small sizes, recently declining population trends, and the to meet SARA requirements. These areas are Chatham vulnerability of their habitat and food supply to human-caused Sound, Caamano Sound and Fitz Hugh Sound, where northern impacts.4 Transients and northern residents are listed as residents congregate seasonally.4 Threatened and offshores are listed as Special Concern under SARA.2,5 All three populations are listed as Threatened by the 6 1 Heise, K., Ford, J. and Olesiuk, P. 2007. Appendix J: Marine mammals and turtles. In Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: iv + 35 p. Important Areas 2 The Species at Risk Act (SARA) was created to protect species under threat of extinction. Species are assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), then by the federal government, based upon Important Areas (IAs) were identifi ed for northern resident scientifi c information and consultations, to determine whether those species receive legal protection under SARA. killer whales in 2006 through interviewing experts and 3 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase I – identifi cation of important areas. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. considering relevant literature during the process of Sci. 2678: vi + 89 p. establishing Ecologically and Biologically Signifi cant Areas 4 Ford, J. 2006. An assessment of critical habitats of resident killer whales in waters off the Pacifi c coast of Canada. 3 Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Research Document 2006/072. (EBSAs) in PNCIMA. Northern resident killer whales inhabit 5 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c waters from northern Vancouver Island to Dixon Entrance. North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase II – fi nal report. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2686: v + 25 p. Johnstone Strait, Caamano Sound, Fitz Hugh Sound, Chatham 6 COSEWIC. 2011. Wildlife species search. http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct1/searchform_e.cfm (Accessed February 2011). Sound, the north coast of Haida Gwaii and Queen Charlotte 7 Government of Canada. 2009. Critical habitats of the Northeast Pacifi c northern and southern resident populations Strait are identifi ed as IAs for this population. The remainder of the killer whale (Orcinus orca) Order. Canada Gazette 143(5). of the coastal waters along the north and central coasts are

Above: Orca at Lucy Island. Photo: Jacob Joslin

Killer whales, Queen Charlotte Strait. Photo: John Ford

Right: Killer whale. Photo: John Ford

54 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 21 Killer Whale Important Areas and Critical Habitat

Ecological | 55 22 Leatherback Turtle Important Areas

Leatherback Turtles Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are long lived and have a large geographic range.1 Sightings of adult leatherback turtles in BC coastal waters typically peak between June and September, when they feed on soft-bodied invertebrates such as jellyfi sh. Little is understood about the spatial distribution of juveniles and young adults, however, and it remains unknown whether they also migrate as far north as BC.2 In 1980 there were an estimated 115,000 leatherback turtles worldwide, but in 1995 that number had declined to 34,500. In Leatherback turtle. Illustration: A. Denbigh the Pacifi c, population estimates are unclear, but leatherbacks are believed to be facing imminent extinction in Pacifi c waters.1 The North Pacifi c population of the leatherback turtle the accompanying map runs along the shelf break off the is listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA)1,3 edge of the continental shelf, including waters from northern and by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Vancouver Island to Langara Island on the northwest 4 Wildlife in Canada. Leatherback corner of Haida Gwaii.5 Turtles have also been Abundance and spatial distribution of leatherback turtles are sighted with less frequency in other locations within PNCIMA.2 turtles in BC waters are unclear as sighting believed to reports remain few and distribution data on their 2 face imminent prey species, primarily large jellyfi sh, are sparse. 1 Heise, K., Ford, J. and Olesiuk, P. 2007. Appendix J: Marine mammals and turtles. In Sightings of leatherback turtles within PNCIMA extinction in Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: iv + 35 p. have increased in recent years, but this may be the Pacifi c Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary partially due to increased public awareness.1,5 It references: remains diffi cult to draw conclusions about possible 2 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase I – identifi cation of important 2 signifi cant areas for this species based on annual sightings. areas. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2678: vi + 89 p. 3 The Species at Risk Act (SARA) was created to protect species under threat of extinction. Species are assessed Important Area by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), then by the federal government, based upon scientifi c information and consultations, to determine whether those species get legal protection Important Areas (IAs) were identifi ed for leatherback turtles under SARA. 4 COSEWIC. 2011. Wildlife species search. http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct1/searchform_e.cfm (Accessed in 2006 through interviewing experts and considering relevant February 2011). literature during the process of establishing Ecologically and 5 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Biologically Signifi cant Areas (EBSAs) in PNCIMA.2 Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase II – fi nal report. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2686: v + 25 p. A large IA was recommended that includes areas where turtles have been repeatedly sighted.2 The IA illustrated in

56 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 22 Leatherback Turtle Important Areas

Ecological | 57 23 Important Bird Areas

Marine Birds or congregatory species/bird concentrations. More than 60 percent of BC’s IBAs are marine or coastal.4,5 Marine birds are widely distributed throughout coastal BC and are known or believed to use habitats in PNCIMA for breeding, Thirty-two designated IBAs fall within PNCIMA. The majority foraging, migration and staging during part or all of their (21) are designated for their global signifi cance. Half of these life cycles.1,2 Different species spend different parts of their surround Haida Gwaii,2 including the world’s largest breeding lives in different regions within PNCIMA.1 Species’ habitat colony of Ancient Murrelets, and globally signifi cant breeding preferences relate to a variety of marine features, including colonies of Ancient Murrelet, Cassin’s and Rhinoceros auklets, sea surface temperature, bathymetric features (shallow water, and Leach’s Storm-Petrel.6 near land, near shelf breaks, or away from shelf breaks), The waters surrounding the Scott Islands, off the seasonal concentrations of chlorophyll a, and areas northwest corner of Vancouver Island, are an area of of upwelling. Most (80 to 90 percent) of the coastal Marine birds signifi cant tidal mixing, driving high productivity.1 As and marine birds recorded in BC regularly use or use habitats a result, the Scott Islands IBA supports the largest have occurred in PNCIMA.3 in PNCIMA concentration of breeding seabirds in the eastern Most species of seabird, waterfowl, shorebird, raptor for breeding, North Pacifi c south of Alaska, and comprise the and scavenger are considered migratory birds. largest seabird breeding colony in BC, including more These species are protected under the Migratory Bird foraging, than 50 percent of the world’s population of Cassin’s Convention Act.1 Environment Canada’s Canadian migration and Auklets, 90 percent of the Canadian population of Wildlife Service has identifi ed a number of areas of staging Tufted Puffi n and 95 percent of the western Canadian interest for migratory bird conservation in PNCIMA.2 population of Common Murre.6,7 The Scott Islands are protected as a Provincial Park (Lanz and Cox islands) A total of 33 marine bird species or subspecies occurring in and Ecological Reserves (Sartine, Beresford and Triangle PNCIMA have been listed as species of conservation concern islands) At the time of writing, the marine area associated by the BC Conservation Data Centre, Committee on the Status with the Scott Islands is being proposed as a marine National of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), Species At Risk Wildlife Area by Environment Canada. Act (SARA), and/or the International Union for Conservation of Nature. These include 21 seabird, six waterfowl, four Brooks Peninsula, off the west coast of Vancouver Island, is shorebird, and two falcon species.2 Among these, the Pink- located where the continental shelf is at its narrowest along footed Shearwater, Marbled Murrelet and Short-tailed the West Coast of Vancouver Island, creating a signifi cant Albatross are listed as Threatened, and the Ancient Murrelet north/south boundary area for many eastern Pacifi c species.8 and Black-footed Albatross are listed as species of Special Solander Island and Brooks Bay IBA to the north of Brooks Concern by COSEWIC and under SARA.1 Peninsula support populations of Leach’s Storm-Petrels and Cassins Auklet, both in globally signifi cant numbers. Important Bird Areas Immediately west of Prince Rupert, Chatham Sound is one of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) is a program of BirdLife two areas of particularly high primary productivity as a result International (represented in Canada by Bird Studies Canada of tidal mixing. This makes the Kitkatla Channel, Goschen and Nature Canada) which seeks to conserve the world’s Island North to Porcher Island IBA to the south of Chatham bird populations and diversity by conserving key habitats. Sound, a vital staging area for some migrating species, such BC contains 84 designated IBAs. These sites meet global, as Surf, Black and White-winged scoters and waterfowl.8 continental or nationally signifi cant thresholds for one or more of the following: threatened species, restricted range species, IBA designation is non-regulatory; however, nearly one quarter of the area within the IBA network in BC overlaps with lands that have some form of legal conservation status, primarily through provincial parks and reserves.4

Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase I – identifi cation of important areas. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2678: vi +89 p. 2 McFarlane Tranquilla, L., Truman, K., Johannessen, D. and Hooper, T. 2007. Appendix K: Marine birds. In Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: vi + 68 p. 3 Davidson, P. 2011. Bird Studies Canada in litt. 4 Englund, K., Murray, A. and Davidson, P. 2009. Introducing BC’s Important Bird Areas. Bird Studies Canada and BC Nature, 49 pp. 5 Bird Studies Canada and Nature Canada. 2004-2009. Important Bird Areas of Canada database. Port Rowan, Ontario: Bird Studies Canada. To access the Canadian IBA directory: http://www.ibacanada.com 6 P. Davidson, BC Program Manager, Bird Studies Canada. Personal communication, February 2011. 7 Bird Studies Canada. N.d. IBA site summary: Scott Island Group. http://www.bsc-eoc.org/iba/site. jsp?siteID=BC006 (Accessed January 2011). 8 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase II – fi nal report. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2686: v+ 25 p. Common Murre with Pacifi c sandlance. Photo: Mark Hipfner

58 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 23 Important Bird Areas

Ecological | 59 24 Herring and Eulachon Important Areas

Important Areas (IAs) were identifi ed for eulachon and herring In BC the marine distribution of eulachon includes deep in 2006 through interviewing experts and considering relevant portions (80 to 200 m) of the continental shelf, particularly literature during the process of establishing Ecologically and around Dixon Entrance, Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Biologically Signifi cant Areas (EBSAs) in PNCIMA.1 Sound.2 Concentrated in Dixon Entrance during summer months, adult eulachon are known to spend two to three years Herring in these open marine waters before returning Pacifi c herring (Clupea pallasii) are found along Spawning to freshwater to spawn.3 Feeding areas for the North American coast from the Beaufort Sea migration routes adult eulachon include the Hecate Strait trough south to southern California. Pacifi c herring is a region but are much more extensive than the IAs schooling species with populations that undertake for herring identifi ed.2,3 IAs are also located in Chatham Sound both short range (within inlets) and longer range and eulachon and several inlets, including those leading to large (offshore) migrations.2 are located in runs. The areas identifi ed as IAs for herring were based PNCIMA There are 33 rivers in BC where eulachon are on four life history processes: spawning, rearing, known to spawn, 30 of which are located in migration and feeding.3 Pacifi c herring spawning PNCIMA.2 Many of these rivers do not have regular migrations involve movement from offshore feeding grounds to inter-annual spawning. The largest spawning areas occur in inshore spawning grounds.2 Major migration routes for herring the following inlets, from north to south: Alice Arm, Telegraph include the bottleneck of Queen Charlotte Strait and Johnstone Pass south of Prince Rupert, Kitimat Arm, Gardner Canal, Strait at the south end of PNCIMA, and Chatham Sound in the Dean Channel, North and South Bentinck Arms, Rivers Inlet, north.3 Migration is also believed to take place through Hecate Kingcome Inlet, and Knight Inlet. Spawning run sizes are Strait and along the north and east coasts of Vancouver Island, roughly estimated by river width as: very small (less than 5 m), but its details are not yet understood.1 Five summer feeding small (approximately 10 m), medium (greater than 20 m), or areas were identifi ed as herring IAs including the waters large (greater than 100 m).4 surrounding the Scott Islands, and McIntyre Bay and Langara 3 Island off the north coast of Haida Gwaii. 1 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase I – Identifi cation of important areas. Can. Tech. Rep. Eulachon Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2678: vi + 89 p. 2 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacifi cus) are a small, anadromous Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. smelt distributed in the Pacifi c Ocean from northern California 3 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi ciant areas in the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase II – fi nal report. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2686: to the southern Bering Sea. Eulachon spend up to 95 percent v + 25 p. of their life in the ocean and return to freshwater streams and 4 Hay, D. and McCarter, P.B. 2000. Status of the eulachon Thaleichthys pacifi cus in Canada. Research Doc. 2000/145: 92p. rivers between March and May to spawn.2

Herring catch, dry. Photo: DFO/ PBS/ Nanaimo

60 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 24 Herring and Eulachon Important Areas

Ecological | 61 25 Tanner Crab Important Areas

Important Areas (IAs) were identifi ed for Tanner crabs in An experimental C. tanneri and C. bairdi fi shery took place 2006 through interviewing experts and considering relevant to determine if a new fi shery could be supported for these literature during the process of establishing Ecologically and species. Trap surveys completed along PNCIMA’s continental Biologically Signifi cant Areas (EBSAs) in PNCIMA.1,2 shelf between 1999 and 2000 indicated that, in general, relative abundance of C. tanneri is greater in the northern Tanner crabs, Chionoecetes tanneri (grooved Tanner) portion of the west coast of Vancouver Island than and Chionoecetes bairdi (inshore Tanner), are two off the west coast of Haida Gwaii.5 Trap and trawl species of crab targeted in exploratory commercial Exploratory surveys between 2004 and 2005 on C. bairdi in fi sheries in PNCIMA.3 In BC C. bairdi are commonly commercial Rivers Inlet on the central coast suggested that the found in coastal inlets and fjords at depths between fi sheries in population of marketable size crabs may not be ten and 475 m,3 although they have also been found PNCIMA target suffi cient to sustain an economically viable fi shery offshore as bycatch in the domestic groundfi sh Tanner crabs for that species.3 trawl fi shery.4 C. tanneri are distributed along the continental shelf at depths between 400 and 1,944 m.3 Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the Pacifi c The identifi cation of IAs for C. tanneri within PNCIMA was North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase I – identifi cation of important areas. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2678: vi + 89 p. generally based on research surveys done on the continental 2 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi ciant areas in the Pacifi c shelf break.1,2 A narrow strip along the entire shelf break North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase II – fi nal report. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2686: v + 25 p. 3 Fong, K.H. and Dunham, J.S. 2007. Inshore Tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi) biology in a central coast inlet, British region was identifi ed as an IA for C. tanneri. This area may be Columbia, Canada. J. Shell. Res. 26(2): 581-595. modifi ed following future research.4 4 Krause G.G., Workman, G. and Phillips, A.C. 2001. A phase ‘0’ review of the biology and fi sheries of the Tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi). Research Document 2001/160. CSAS. Based on C. bairdi habitat preferences, nearshore areas along 5 Gillispie, G.E., Fong, K.H., Phillips, A.C., Meyer, G.R. and Boutillier, J.A. 2004. Development of a new fi shery for Tanner crab (Chionoecetes tanner Rathbum, 1893) off British Columbia: 2003 Status Report. Research Report the north coast of PNCIMA, including inlets off Chatham Sound 2004/132. CSAS. and Douglas Channel, were identifi ed as IAs for that species.1,2

Tanner crab. Photo: Bridget Ennevor

62 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 25 Tanner Crab Important Areas

Ecological | 63 26 Manila Clam and Razor Clam Important Areas

Important Areas (IAs) were identifi ed for Manila productive beds were identifi ed in the Bella Bella/ clams (based on the concentration of productive Manila and Central Coast area. This is also the northernmost beds) and razor clams (based on stock by area) in razor clams population of commercially harvested Manila clams 2006. This was achieved by interviewing experts and may settle in BC.1 considering relevant literature during the process of in areas Razor clam establishing Ecologically and Biologically Signifi cant Areas (EBSAs) in PNCIMA.1 containing Razor clams (Siliqua patula) are found from suitable California to Alaska on sandy beaches with high Manila and razor clams perform all their life history wave action from the mid-intertidal zone to depths stages in the general area where settlement of lifelong habitat of 20 m.1 The largest stock in BC occurs from larvae occurs. Settlement most likely occurs in Massett to Rose Spit off the north coast of Haida areas where a combination of physical factors creates suitable Gwaii and, as such, a single IA was identifi ed in McIntyre Bay.3 life-long habitat. IAs for these clams include beds that support That stretch of beach presently supports the only commercial high densities, full age structures, larger growth or greater fi shery for razor clams in BC. The fi shery is co-managed by the productivity, and beds that act as source populations.1 Council of the Haida Nation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Manila Clam Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: The Manila clam (Venerupis phillipinarum) was introduced to 1 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the BC in the 1930s with imported oyster seed and today supports Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase I – identifi cation of important areas. Can. Tech. Rep. 1 Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2678: vi + 89 p. a commercial fi shery. Within PNCIMA, Manila clams are found 2 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated intertidally and subtidally in habitats of mixed sand, mud and Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. 2 3 Clarke, C.L. and Jamieson, G.S. 2006. Identifi cation of ecologically and biologically signifi cant areas in the gravel. While the identifi cation of IAs for Manila clams is Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area: Phase II – fi nal report. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2686: typically on a scale too small for mapping, concentrations of v + 25 p.

Razor clam fi shing. Photo: Sharon Jeff ery

Razor clam. Photo: Pauline Ridings

64 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 26 Manila Clam and Razor Clam Important Areas

Ecological | 65 27 Pacifi c Fishery Management Areas

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible Thirty of DFO’s 48 PFMAs are included within for managing the fi sh stocks of Canada’s west coast DFO manages PNCIMA boundaries. These are PFMAs 3-15, 25-27, along its 27,000 km of coastline and into the open commercial, 101, 103-111, 126, 127, 130, and 142. ocean, extending 200 nautical miles (about 370 recreational PFMAs are further divided into Subareas (as km) into the Pacifi c. Fisheries are managed under described in the Pacifi c Fishery Management the authority of the Fisheries Act and associated and Aboriginal Area Regulations). Subarea segments are usually regulations. communal fi sheries in delineated by sight lines from known geographic For the purposes of managing fi shing of the points resulting in various sized polygons. As Pacifi c coast’s various stocks, the Pacifi c coast PFMAs a result, Subarea boundaries are based on has been divided into segments known as Pacifi c geographical and management-based criteria, Fishery Management Areas (PFMAs).1,2 These rather than ecological criteria.1 management areas, also called DFO Statistical Areas, provide the boundaries within which DFO manages the Pacifi c coast’s 1 PFMA Area and Sub-area boundaries are defi ned by geographical coordinates referenced in latitude and longitude according to the North American Datum 83 (NAD 83) geodetic system. Full legal text descriptions of commercial, recreational and Aboriginal communal fi shing each PFMA and subareas can be found online at http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/ShowTdm/cr/SOR-2007-77/ activities.3 Some fi sheries are managed with their own specifi c 2 Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm 1 3 For those fi sheries managed by PFMA, catch statistics by PFMA can be found online at http://www.pac. management areas that may or may not align with PFMAs. DFO dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pages/data_e.htm manages catch and catch effort on given stocks or species by implementing openings and closures in these areas.

Prince Rupert Harbour. Photo: Coral Cargill

Fish boat. Photo: DFO/ PBS/ Nanaimo

66 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 27 Pacifi c Fishery Management Areas

Commercial Fisheries | 67 28 Cumulative Groundfi sh Trawl Fishery Eff ort

Groundfi sh Trawl Catch (mt) 1996–2005 Groundfi sh dwell at or near the seafl oor. Trawling is one of four groundfi sh fi sheries conducted in the Pacifi c region.1 The Groundfi sh Trawl Fishery As of 2005, groundfi sh trawl was the largest fi shery by volume on Canada’s west coast. The trawl fi shery exhibits a high degree of diversity in its landings, with roughly 35 species making up 95 percent of the landings. More than 200 species are caught, with approximately 70 landed. Trawlers may catch, retain, and land species for which total allowable catches (TACs) are set, as well as non-targeted species.2 To date, 27 groundfi sh stocks have been assessed with established annual statistical method). The proximity of fi shing to the coast makes allocations in eight management areas.1 the gridded data appear to overlap land, an artifact of applying In BC this fi shery uses an otter trawl, a large bag-shaped net the data to a standard grid. The fi shing data were layered above that is dragged either along the ocean fl oor or through the the land only to make the data more visible. Data presentation water column. Bottom trawling covers a distance of does not take into account variations in fi shing activity 4.5 to 5 km, while mid-water trawling covers 12 to Groundfi sh over time due to fi sheries management measures, 2 13 km. trawl was the individual vessel behaviour, or changes in technology 4 In 2010, following a three-year pilot program largest fi shery or fi shing practices. The data on the map may not represent current effort, as they predate the designed by the Commercial Industry Caucus with by volume on input from the Commercial Groundfi sh Industry establishment of Rockfi sh Conservation Areas, IVQs Advisory Committee, the Commercial Groundfi sh Canada’s west and groundfi sh integration. Integration Program was implemented. It includes coast in 2005 Groundfi sh typically concentrate in areas with 100 percent at-sea and dockside monitoring, steep bank sides and across troughs in shelf areas individual vessel accountability for retained and where there are strong tidal currents, high nutrient supply released catch, individual vessel quotas (IVQs) and reallocation and currents that retain zooplankton. Hence, groundfi sh trawl of IVQs between vessels and fi sheries to cover catch of non- effort has been concentrated around bank edges and troughs directed species.3 Other management measures include catch in Queen Charlotte Sound, Hecate Strait and the eastern limitations by species and area, licence limitations, TACs, time waters of Dixon Entrance.2 and area closures, and vessel trip limits.1 The total catch by trawl (including by-catch) in PNCIMA was Management measures are described using units known as fairly consistent from 1996 to 2005 (see graph). When hake Groundfi sh Management Areas (GMAs) and Pacifi c Fishery catches are omitted from coastwide fi gures, the PNCIMA catch Management Areas (PFMAs). Of the eight Pacifi c GMAs, seven makes up the majority of the coastwide catch. The hake fi shery are entirely or partially within PNCIMA (see table). primarily takes place off the west coast of Vancouver Island,2 5 Fishery Effort but also occurs in Queen Charlotte Sound.

The fi shery effort map, which uses four by four km gridded data, Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: represents 97.71 percent of the data available for PNCIMA after 1 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated screening for confi dentiality (minimum three vessels reporting Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. per grid cell).2 In PNCIMA, groundfi sh trawl effort (measured in 2 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. hours of fi shing) appears to be highly aggregated. The fi ve data 3 Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2010. Pacifi c region integrated fi sheries management plan: groundfi sh, February 21, classes presented on the map are based on groupings inherent 2010 to February 20, 2011, 185 pp. 4 Temporal trends in groundfi sh trawl activity, and related data limitations, are discussed in more detail in Sinclair, A. in the data such that similar values are grouped and differences 2007. Trends in groundfi sh bottom trawl fi shing activity in BC. CSAS Research Document 2007/006. between classes are maximized (Natural Break or Jenks 5 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011).

GMAs within PNCIMA, as deﬁ ned by PFMAs/Subareas

GMA PFMAs and/or Subareas 3D Subareas 27-2 to 27-11, 127-1 and 127-2 4B Area 13 and Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48 5A Areas 11, 111 and Subareas 12-14, 27-1, 127-3, 127-4 and 130-1 5B Areas 7 to 10, 108 to 110 and Subareas 102-3, 107-2, 107-3, 130-2 and that portion of 130-3 that lies south of the parallel passing through 51 degrees, 56 seconds north latitude 5C Areas 6, 106 and Subareas 2-1 to 2-19, 102-2 and 105-2 and 107-1 5D Areas 3 to 5, 103, 104 and Subareas 1-2 to 1-5 and 101-4 to 101-10, 102-1 and 105-1 5E Area 142 and Subareas 1-1 and 2-31 to 2-100 and 101-1 to 101-3 and that portion of Subarea 130-3 that lies north of the parallel passing through 51 degrees, 56 seconds north latitude

68 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 28 Cumulative Groundfi sh Trawl Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 69 29 Cumulative Outside ZN Fishery Eff ort

Rockfi sh Hook and Line ZN Catch (tonnes) Adult rockfi sh inhabit ranges within subtidal, shelf, or slope benthic habitats and have periodic high recruitment events, typically associated with favourable environmental conditions. Of the approximately 40 species of rockfi sh (Sebastes spp.) and thornyheads (Sebastolobus spp.) in BC, 26 are harvested in the Outside ZN fi shery.1 The Outside ZN Fishery “ZN” is a fi shing licence category. Within this category, most of the PNCIMA region is managed under the “Outside ZN” fi shery. Queen Charlotte Strait and Johnstone Strait are managed under the “Inside ZN” fi shery. The Outside ZN fi shery is a groundfi sh fi shery and the only directed commercial Fishery Effort fi shery targeting rockfi sh by hook and line gear. Rockfi sh are The fi shery effort map, using four by four km cells, represents caught under a ZN licence. Outside ZN licences are personal 63.09 percent of the data available for PNCIMA after screening licences that must be designated to a fi shing vessel each year for confi dentiality (minimum three vessels reporting per grid upon licence issuance.1 The ZN fi shery provides cell). The fi ve data classes presented on the map different annual fi shing options that licence holders are based on groupings inherent in the data such must select prior to fi shing, which differ in the About 65% of that similar values are grouped and differences aggregates of rockfi sh species targeted.2,3 the rockfi sh and between classes are maximized (Natural Break or In 2010, following a three-year pilot program thornyhead Jenks statistical method). In PNCIMA, cumulative designed by the Commercial Industry Caucus with species in BC Outside ZN effort (soak time in hours) is generally input from the Commercial Groundfi sh Industry are harvested in distributed over near shore reef habitats. In addition, Advisory Committee, the Commercial Groundfi sh the Outside ZN groundfi sh fi shery effort appears to be concentrated Integration Program was implemented. It includes fi shery in shallow waters immediately seaward of the 100 percent at-sea and dockside monitoring; mainland inlets.2 The proximity of fi shing to the coast individual vessel accountability for retained and makes the gridded data appear to overlap land, an released catch, individual vessel quotas (IVQs) and reallocation artifact of applying the data to a standard grid. The fi shing data of IVQs between vessels and fi sheries to cover catch of non- were layered above the land only to make the data more visible. targeted species.3 The majority of the coastwide Outside ZN fi shery occurs within PNCIMA (see graph). The Outside ZN hook and line fi shery uses longlines, handlines, and rod and reel/jig. In longline fi shing, a line The data on the map may not represent current effort, as they containing hundreds of baited hooks is set along the ocean predate the establishment of Rockfi sh Conservation Areas, fl oor. It consists of lengths or “skates” to which shorter lines IVQs and groundfi sh integration. Rockfi sh are also currently with baited hooks are attached. Average skate length is caught in new areas such as the 100 fathom edge of Queen approximately 550 m and often two to six skates are linked. Charlotte Sound / Moresby Gulley.5 Following a certain “soak” time, the line is hauled back onto the vessel, fi sh are removed and gear is re-baited and reset.4 Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm 1 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management measures are described using units known as Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. 2 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Groundfi sh Management Areas (GMAs) and Pacifi c Fishery Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. Management Areas (PFMAs). Of the eight GMAs identifi ed for the 3 Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2010. Pacifi c region integrated fi sheries management plan: groundfi sh, February 21, 2010 to February 20, 2011, 185 pp. Pacifi c, seven are entirely or partially within PNCIMA (see table). 4 Hillier, C.J., Gueret, D., Butterfi eld, S. and Pellegrin, N. 2007. Fish harvesting activities within the proposed Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2803: vi + 65p. 5 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011).

GMAs within PNCIMA, as deﬁ ned by PFMAs/Subareas

70 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 29 Cumulative Outside ZN Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 71 30 Cumulative Groundfi sh Schedule II Fishery Eff ort

The Schedule II Fishery Schedule II Catch (Hook and Line Gear Only) “Schedule II” is a fi shing licence category. The Schedule II fi shery, a groundfi sh fi shery, involves a privilege given to all commercial vessel-based licence eligibilities as part of their licence conditions. Vessels are permitted to harvest certain species, including lingcod and dogfi sh.1 In 2010, following a three-year pilot program designed by the Commercial Industry Caucus with input from the Commercial Groundfi sh Industry Advisory Committee, the Commercial Groundfi sh Integration Program was implemented. It includes 100 percent at-sea and dockside monitoring; individual vessel accountability for retained and released catch, individual Fishery Effort vessel quotas (IVQs) and reallocation of IVQs between vessels and fi sheries to cover catch of non-targeted species.2 The fi shery effort map, using four by four km gridded data, represents 70.9 percent of the data available In the directed Schedule II fi shery, only certain for PNCIMA after screening for confi dentiality species may be targeted and retained, including Species (minimum three vessels reporting per grid cell). lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus), spiny dogfi sh (Squalus retained in this The fi ve data classes presented on the map are acanthias), skates, sole, fl ounder and Pacifi c fi shery include based on groupings inherent in the data such that cod (Gadus macrocephalus).1 Directed trips have lingcod, spiny similar values are grouped and differences between primarily targeted lingcod, dogfi sh and, more classes are maximized (Natural Break or Jenks recently, skate.3 Four types of hook and line gear dogfi sh, skates, statistical method). In PNCIMA, groundfi sh Schedule are used in this fi shery, including longline, troll, sole, fl ounder II cumulative hook and line effort is generally handline and jig. On a directed lingcod trip, only troll and Pacifi c cod distributed over near shore reef habitats. Effort is and jig gear are permitted.1 also concentrated in shallow waters immediately Longline fi shing involves setting a line with hundreds of baited seaward of the mainland inlets.3 The proximity of fi shing to hooks along the ocean fl oor. It consists of lengths, or “skates”, the coast makes the gridded data appear to overlap land, an to which shorter lines with baited hooks are attached. Average artifact of applying the data to a standard grid. The fi shing skate length is approximately 550 m and often two to six data were layered above the land only to make the data more skates are linked. Following a certain “soak” time, the line is visible. The map displays a roll-up of all Schedule II fi sheries hauled back onto the vessel, fi sh are removed and gear is re- over multiple years, although fi sheries occur at different times baited and reset.1 for different species. A comparison of Schedule II hook and In trolling, several lines with numerous lures are dragged line catches in PNCIMA and coastwide is presented in the slowly through the water. Rigging of boats and the type and graph. arrangement of lines and lures vary according to the fi shery. The data shown on the map do not necessarily refl ect current Usually, six to eight stainless steel fi shing lines are used. Up conditions, as they predate the establishment of Rockfi sh to 80 lures may be attached and fi shed at depths ranging from Conservation Areas, IVQs and groundfi sh integration.4 nine to 45 m. When a fi sh strikes the line it is hauled in and taken from the hook, and the gear is reset.1 Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: Management measures are described using units known as 1 Hillier, C.J., Gueret, D., Butterfi eld, S. and Pellegrin, N. 2007. Fish harvesting activities within the proposed Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2803: vi + 65p. Groundfi sh Management Areas (GMAs) and Pacifi c Fishery 2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2010. Pacifi c region integrated fi sheries management plan: groundfi sh, February 21, Management Areas (PFMAs). Of the eight GMAs identifi ed for 2010 to February 20, 2011, 185 pp. 3 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated the Pacifi c, seven exist entirely or partially within PNCIMA (see Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. table). 4 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011).

GMAs within PNCIMA, as deﬁ ned by PFMAs/Subareas

72 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 30 Cumulative Groundfi sh Schedule II Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 73 31 Cumulative Halibut Fishery Eff ort

Halibut Management measures are described using units known as Species/Stock Management Areas (SMAs), Groundfi sh Pacifi c halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), are commonly found Management Areas (GMAs) in the case of groundfi sh fi sheries, throughout BC, particularly along the continental shelf and and Pacifi c Fishery Management Areas (PFMAs). Of the eight slope from relatively shallow waters to depths of at least 1000 GMAs identifi ed for the Pacifi c, seven exist either entirely or m. Mature halibut have been known to travel long distances partially within PNCIMA (see table). (up to 3200 km), but most tend to stay on the same grounds and make only seasonal migrations, from shallow feeding Fishery Effort areas in the spring to deeper spawning grounds in The fi shery effort map, using 25 by 25 km gridded the winter.1 The halibut data, represents 100 percent of the data available The Pacifi c Halibut Fishery fi shery eff ort for PNCIMA after screening for confi dentiality (minimum three vessels reporting per grid The Pacifi c halibut fi shery is a groundfi sh fi shery. follows the cell).4 The fi ve data classes presented on the In 2010, following a three-year pilot program distribution of map are based on natural groupings inherent in designed by the Commercial Industry Caucus with adult halibut the data such that similar values are grouped input from the Commercial Groundfi sh Industry along the upper and differences between classes are maximized Advisory Committee, the Commercial Groundfi sh continental (Natural Break or Jenks statistical method). In Integration Program was implemented. The PNCIMA, the distribution of fi shing effort (number program includes 100 percent at-sea and dockside slope of skates) for halibut is variable Fishing effort for monitoring; individual vessel accountability for halibut was measured by quantity of skates used all catch, both retained and released; individual during fi shing events (standardized skate units are 554 m in vessel quotas (IVQs) and reallocation of these quotas between length and consist of 100 baited hooks each). The cumulative vessels and fi sheries to cover catch of non-directed species.2 halibut fi shery effort is concentrated along the continental Other management measures include licence limitations, slope, particularly in areas off the northern and southern establishment of total allowable catches, closures based on tips of Haida Gwaii as well as the northern tip of Vancouver time and area, and vessel trip limits.1 Island. The halibut fi shery effort is consistent with the known The Pacifi c halibut fl eet consists of a variety of vessels, both distribution of concentrations of adult halibut along the upper in size and purpose; they fi sh halibut as well as other licences continental slope at depths between 230 and 460 m.3 such as sablefi sh, salmon, herring and rockfi sh. Other species The data displayed on the map may not represent current retained in the Pacifi c halibut commercial fi shery include effort, as they predate the establishment of Rockfi sh rockfi sh (Sebastes spp. and Sebastolobus spp.) and lingcod Conservation Areas, IVQs and groundfi sh integration.5 (Ophiodon elongates). Halibut fi shing is conducted using hook and line/longline gear, either conventional or snap-on. Fishing Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm activity by longline gear involves setting a long ground-line Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: that has hundreds of baited hooks along the ocean fl oor. 1 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. The longline consists of a strong synthetic rope made up 2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2010. Pacifi c region integrated fi sheries management plan: groundfi sh, in lengths, or “skates”, to which shorter lines with baited February 21, 2010 to February 20, 2011, 185 pp. 3 Hillier, C.J., Gueret, D., Butterfi eld, S. and Pellegrin, N. 2007. Fish harvesting activities within the proposed hooks are attached. The average length of a single skate is Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2803: vi + 65p. approximately 550 m and often two to six skates are linked to 4 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated make up a “string of gear”. Following a suitable “soak” time, Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. 5 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product the line is hauled back onto the vessel, fi sh are removed from of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011). the hooks and gear is re-baited and reset.3

GMAs within PNCIMA, as deﬁ ned by PFMAs/Subareas

74 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 31 Cumulative Halibut Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 75 32 Cumulative Sablefi sh Trap Fishery Eff ort

Sablefi sh Sablefi sh Catch by Longline and Trap Sablefi sh (Anoplopoma fi mbria), often referred to as blackcod, range from the Bering Sea to Baja California to Japan, and inhabit shelf and slope water to 1500 m depth. Abundance is mainly centred in northern BC and the Gulf of Alaska. Juveniles migrate inshore from offshore waters and rear in near-shore and shelf habitats until age two through fi ve, when they migrate offshore and recruit into the fi shery.1 The Sablefi sh Trap Fishery The sablefi sh fi shery is a groundfi sh fi shery. In 2010, following a three-year pilot program designed by the Commercial Industry Caucus with input from the Commercial Groundfi sh Fishery Effort Industry Advisory Committee, the Commercial Groundfi sh The fi shery effort map, using four by four km gridded data, Integration Program was implemented. The program includes represents 97.35 percent of the data available 100 percent at-sea and dockside monitoring; for PNCIMA after screening for confi dentiality individual vessel accountability for all catch, both Sablefi sh (minimum three vessels reporting per grid cell).3 retained and released; IVQs and reallocation of The fi ve data classes presented on the map are these quotas between vessels and fi sheries to cover fi shing by trap based on natural groupings inherent in the data catch of non-directed species.2 is concentrated such that similar values are grouped and differences The majority of Canadian sablefi sh are harvested along the between classes are maximized (Natural Break by trap but they may also be caught by trawl continental or Jenks statistical method). Cumulative sablefi sh and longline gear.3 Trap fi shing targets sablefi sh slope fi shery effort by trap is measured by the number of specifi cally and consists of a series of connected traps set during a fi shing event. With the exception traps that are lowered to the sea fl oor at depths of the area of Langara Island at the northern tip of of up to 825 m. Typically, a series of 60 to 80 traps are found Haida Gwaii, fi shing for sablefi sh by trap gear appears to be along a common line (groundline) set on the ocean fl oor with concentrated along the continental slope extending from the an average set length of three km. Trap gear can be set and waters off Brooks Peninsula (west coast Vancouver Island) left in the water for a maximum of four consecutive days, after in the south to Dixon Entrance at the northern boundary of which gear must be hauled in and catch removed.1 PNCIMA. Management measures are described using units known as A comparison of sablefi sh catches by longline and trap in Species/Stock Management Areas, Groundfi sh Management PNCIMA and coastwide is presented in the graph. Areas (GMAs) in the case of groundfi sh fi sheries, and Pacifi c Fishery Management Areas (PFMAs). Of the eight GMAs Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm identifi ed for the Pacifi c, seven exist entirely or partially within Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 Hillier, C.J., Gueret, D., Butterfi eld, S. and Pellegrin, N. 2007. Fish harvesting activities within the proposed PNCIMA (see table). Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2803: vi + 65 p. 2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2010. Pacifi c region integrated fi sheries management plan: groundfi sh, February 21, 2010 to February 20, 2011, 185 pp. 3 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2677: viii + 188 p.

GMAs within PNCIMA, as deﬁ ned by PFMAs/Subareas

76 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 32 Cumulative Sablefi sh Trap Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 77 33 Cumulative Sablefi sh Longline Fishery Eff ort

Fishery Management Areas (PFMAs). Of the eight GMAs Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm identifi ed for the Pacifi c, seven exist entirely or partially within Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 Hillier, C.J., Gueret, D., Butterfi eld, S. and Pellegrin, N. 2007. Fish harvesting activities within the proposed PNCIMA (see table). Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2803: vi + 65 p. 2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2010. Pacifi c region integrated fi sheries management plan: groundfi sh, Fishery Effort February 21, 2010 to February 20, 2011, 185 pp. 3 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated The fi shery effort map, using four by four km gridded data, Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2677: viii + 188 p. represents 89.53 percent of the data available for PNCIMA 4 Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2007. National plan of action for reducing the incidental catch of seabirds in longline fi sheries. 29p.

GMAs within PNCIMA, as deﬁ ned by PFMAs/Subareas

78 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 33 Cumulative Sablefi sh Longline Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 79 34 Cumulative Salmon Seine Fishery Eff ort

Paciﬁ c Salmon Salmon Seine Fishery Landings by Year and Species in BC There are eight species of Paciﬁ c salmon (genus 300,000,000 Oncorhynchus), six of which (sockeye, pink, chum, chinook, 250,000,000 coho and steelhead) are commonly found on the west coast of

North America. All but steelhead are targeted in commercial 200,000,000 ﬁ sheries (see table).1

150,000,000 Pacifi c salmon species targeted in Pacifi c commercial fi sheries 100,000,000 Number of Fish Kept

Common names Scientifi c Name 50,000,000

Chinook (spring, tyee, king) Oncorhynchus tshawytscha 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Coho (silver salmon) Oncorhynchus kisutch Year Sockeye (red salmon) Oncorhynchus nerka Pink (humpies) Oncorhynchus gorbuscha edges of the net into a “purse” in order to contain the fi sh. Approximately 50 percent of the commercial salmon catch in Chum (dog salmon) Oncorhynchus keta BC comes from seine fi shing. Statistical-area restrictions are set by gear type; for salmon All six species of North American salmon are found in the seine net fi shing all of Area A (Pacifi c Fishery Management freshwater and marine ecosystems of PNCIMA. PNCIMA is an Areas [PFMAs] 1 to 10) and a portion of Area B (PFMAs 11, 12, important migration corridor, marine rearing area, portion of 13 and 27) are within the boundaries of and staging area for juvenile salmon migrating PNCIMA.2 seaward and adults returning to their coastal Five species watersheds of origin. PNCIMA is occupied for a of Pacifi c Fishery Effort variable period of time not only by the majority of salmon are Effort for the salmon seine commercial fi shery is salmon stocks originating from BC, but also by commercially displayed on the accompanying map as boat days many populations originating from Washington, fi shed in by salmon catch estimate areas (SCEAs).3 SCEAs Oregon, and California.1 were created to provide a means to roll up and map PNCIMA The Salmon Seine Fishery the catch and effort values resulting from annual openings for commercial salmon fi shing. Because Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) regulates fl eets fi sh at different times for different species, the SCEAs commercial salmon harvest rates through a system of fi shing have been digitized to represent where all openings took place licences combined with seasonal and area restrictions to for a given geographic unit. When a certain geographic area is control catch and effort by gear type in specifi c areas or by consistently not opened for any gear type, for example a ribbon 1 sectors of the salmon fi shery. boundary around a creek mouth or protected area, that feature Commercial salmon licences are issued under one of the three has been removed from the SCEA.4 gear types: troll, seine, and gillnet. In 2003, salmon fi sheries Fishery effort data were merged from seven annual fi shery coastwide included 276 seine boat licences on slightly more data fi les, some of which had an unspecifi ed amount of data 2 than 2000 active salmon vessels. removed for confi dentiality (minimum three licences reporting Harvesting salmon with the use of a seine net involves a small per grid cell). The fi ve data classes presented on the map are skiff assisting with the setting of nets around aggregations based on natural groupings inherent in the data such that of fi sh, followed by the drawing together of the bottom similar values are grouped and differences between classes are maximized (Natural Break or Jenks statistical method). The species and annual variation in seine landings over the period 2001 to 2007 are presented in the graph.4

Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 Hyatt, K., Johannes, M.S. and Stockwell, M. 2007. Appendix I: Pacifi c salmon. In Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Edited by Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: vi + 55 p. 2 DFO. 2008. Integrated fi sheries management plan, salmon, Northern BC: June 1, 2008 – May 31, 2009. 86 pp + Appendices. 3 A boat day represents any portion of a day on which a boat has gone out to fi sh for salmon. 4 Sean MacConnachie, Fisheries and Oceans Canada. March 2009. Metadata for GIS shapefi le “SCEA_ GN_2001_07”.

Seine net. Illustration: DFO

80 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 34 Cumulative Salmon Seine Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 81 35 Cumulative Salmon Gillnet Fishery Eff ort

Paciﬁ c Salmon Salmon Gillnet Fishery Landings by Year and Species in BC There are eight species of Paciﬁ c salmon (genus 35,000,000

Oncorhynchus), six of which (sockeye, pink, chum, chinook, 30,000,000 coho and steelhead) are commonly found on the west coast of North America. All but steelhead are targeted in commercial 25,000,000 1 ﬁ sheries (see table). 20,000,000

15,000,000 Pacifi c salmon species targeted in Pacifi c commercial fi sheries 10,000,000 Number of Fish Kept

Common names Scientifi c Name 5,000,000 Chinook (spring, tyee, king) Oncorhynchus tshawytscha 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Coho (silver salmon) Oncorhynchus kisutch Year Sockeye (red salmon) Oncorhynchus nerka selectively target certain species and sizes of fi sh. Gillnets Pink (humpies) Oncorhynchus gorbuscha are generally used near coastal rivers and inlets, and take Chum (dog salmon) Oncorhynchus keta approximately 25 percent of the commercial salmon catch. Statistical-area restrictions are set by gear type; for All six species of North American salmon are currently found the salmon gillnet fi shery, all of Area C (Pacifi c Fishery in the freshwater and marine ecosystems of PNCIMA. PNCIMA Management Areas [PFMAs] 1 to 10) and a portion of Area D is an important migration corridor, marine rearing area, (PFMAs 11, 12, portion of 13 and 27) are within the and staging area for juvenile salmon migrating boundaries of PNCIMA.2 seaward and adults returning to their coastal PNCIMA is Fishery Effort watersheds of origin. PNCIMA is occupied for a an important variable period of time not only by the majority of migration Effort for the salmon gillnet commercial fi shery is salmon stocks originating from BC, but also by displayed on the accompanying map as boat days many populations originating from Washington, corridor, marine by salmon catch estimate areas (SCEAs).3 SCEAs Oregon, and California.1 rearing area, and were created to provide a means to roll up and map the catch and effort resulting from annual The Salmon Gillnet Fishery staging area for salmon openings for commercial salmon fi shing. Because Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) regulates fl eets fi sh at different times for different species, commercial salmon harvest rates through a the SCEAs have been digitized to represent where system of fi shing licences combined with seasonal-time and all openings took place for the given geographic unit. When a statistical-area restrictions to control catch and effort by gear certain geographic area is consistently not opened for any gear type in specifi c areas or by sectors of the salmon fi shery.1 type, for example a ribbon boundary around a creek mouth or 4 Commercial salmon licences are issued under one of the protected area, that feature has been removed from the SCEA. three gear types: troll, seine and gillnet. In 2003, commercial Fishery effort data were merged from seven annual fi shery salmon fi sheries coastwide included 1,406 gillnet boat licences data fi les, some of which had an unspecifi ed amount of data on slightly more than 2000 active salmon vessels.2 removed for confi dentiality (minimum three licences reporting Salmon gillnets are rectangular nets that hang in the water per grid cell). The fi ve data classes presented on the map are and intercept salmon that swim headfi rst into the net and based on natural groupings inherent in the data such that entangle their gill plates in the mesh. Variations in mesh similar values are grouped and differences between classes size and the ways in which nets are suspended allow nets to are maximized (Natural Break or Jenks statistical method). The species and annual variation in gillnet landings over the period 2001 to 2007 are presented in the graph.4

Gillnet. Illustration: DFO

82 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 35 Cumulative Salmon Gillnet Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 83 36 Cumulative Salmon Troll Fishery Eff ort

Paciﬁ c Salmon Salmon Troll Fishery Landings by Year and Species in BC There are eight species of Paciﬁ c salmon (genus 7,000,000

Oncorhynchus), six of which (sockeye, pink, chum, chinook, 6,000,000 coho and steelhead) are commonly found on the west coast of North America. All but steelhead are targeted in commercial 5,000,000 1 ﬁ sheries (see table). 4,000,000

3,000,000 Paciﬁ c salmon species targeted in Paciﬁ c commercial

ﬁ sheries 2,000,000 Number of Fish Kept

Common names Scientifi c Name 1,000,000 Chinook (spring, tyee, king) Oncorhynchus tshawytscha 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Coho (silver salmon) Oncorhynchus kisutch Year Sockeye (red salmon) Oncorhynchus nerka fi shing vessel. Trollers catch approximately 25 percent of the Pink (humpies) Oncorhynchus gorbuscha commercial salmon harvest in BC. Chum (dog salmon) Oncorhynchus keta Statistical-area restrictions are set by gear type; for fi shing salmon by troll, all of Area F (Pacifi c Fishery Management All six species of North American salmon are currently found Areas [PFMAs] 1 to 10, 101 to 110, 130 and 142), a portion of in the freshwater and marine ecosystems of PNCIMA. PNCIMA Area G (PFMAs 11, 12-5 to 12-16, 111 and 127) and a portion of is an important migration corridor, marine rearing area, and Area H (PFMAs 12 and part of 13) are within the boundaries of staging area for juvenile salmon migrating seaward and adults PNCIMA.2 returning to their coastal watersheds of origin. Fishery Effort PNCIMA is occupied for a variable period of time not Fishing by Effort for the salmon troll commercial fi shery is only by the majority of salmon stocks originating certain gear from BC, but also by many populations originating displayed on the accompanying map as boat days 3 from Washington, Oregon, and California.1 types is by salmon catch estimate areas (SCEAs). SCEAs restricted were created to provide a means to roll up and map The Salmon Troll Fishery to certain the catch and effort values resulting from annual Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) regulates statistical areas openings for commercial salmon fi shing. Because fl eets fi sh at different times for different species, the commercial salmon harvest rates through a system (PFMAs) of fi shing licences combined with enforcement of SCEAs have been digitized to represent where all seasonal and area restrictions to control catch and openings took place for the given geographic unit. effort by gear type in specifi c areas or by sectors of the salmon When a certain geographic area is consistently not opened for fi shery.1 any gear type, for example a ribbon boundary around a creek mouth or protected area, that feature has been removed from Commercial salmon licences are issued under one of the three the SCEA.4 gear types: troll, seine, and gillnet. In 2003, salmon fi sheries coastwide included 539 troll boat licences on slightly more Fishery effort data were merged from seven annual fi shery than 2000 active salmon vessels.2 data fi les, some of which had an unspecifi ed amount of data removed for confi dentiality (minimum three licences reporting Harvesting salmon by trolling involves the use of hooks per grid cell). The fi ve data classes presented on the map are and lines suspended from large poles extending from the based on natural groupings inherent in the data such that similar values are grouped and differences between classes are maximized (Natural Break or Jenks statistical method). The species and annual variation in troll landings over the period 2001 to 2007 are presented in the graph.4

Troll. Illustration: DFO

84 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 36 Cumulative Salmon Troll Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 85 37 Herring Fishery Stock Assessment Areas

Paciﬁ c Herring Historical Herring Catch in BC Coastal Waters

140 Pacifi c herring (Clupea pallasi) is a pelagic species found in the SG 1 120 inshore and offshore waters of the North Pacifi c. W CVI 100 The Herring Fishery HG 80 CC 60 Herring are commercially harvested by two types of gear, (tonnes) PRD 2 40 gillnet and purse seine. During gillnetting, fi sh are caught Catch Average when they swim into a suspended net and become entangled. 20 Purse seining involves a net which can be closed, or “pursed” 0 1951–60 1960–70 1971–80 1981–90 1991–90 to trap a school of fi sh. Year Herring Stock Assessment Areas Historical yearly average for the commercial herring roe fi shery by stock assessment area.1 On Canada’s west coast, commercial herring fi sheries take place in fi ve major stock assessment areas, which are Roe Herring Catch Gillnet and Seine PNCIMA vs. Coastwide

illustrated in the accompanying map: Prince Rupert District 25000 (PR), Central Coast (CC), Haida Gwaii (HG3), West Coast of 20000 Vancouver Island (WCVI) and Strait of Georgia (Gulf/SOG) (see table).1 Commercial herring catch data exist from 1988 to 2008 15000 (gillnet and seine gear) but with data quality limitations. Due 10000

to these limitations, ﬁ shing effort could not be mapped for the Catch (tonnes) 5000

purpose of this atlas. 0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 20012002 2003 Year Herring areas and corresponding Pacifi c Fishery PNCIMA Gillnet PNCIMA Seine Coastwide Gillnet Coastwide Seine Management Areas (PFMAs) in BC (areas in bold fall within PNCIMA) Recent yearly catch for the commercial herring roe fi shery by gillnet and seine.1 Herring Stock Assessment Areas PFMAs distribution and intensity throughout the coast. Total allowable HG Area 2E catches that are within the 20 percent harvest rate are also 4 PR Areas 3, 4 and 5 set for each herring fi shery. Historical and recent catches are presented in the graphs.1 CC Areas 6, 7 and 8 The roe herring fi shery occurs in all major stock assessment SOG Areas 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 areas of BC and involves both gillnet and seine fi shing. The WCVI Areas 23, 24 and 25 commercial SOK fi shery occurs in all areas of the BC coast except the Strait of Georgia/Gulf. The food and bait fi shery is conducted by seine only and takes place exclusively in the Specifi c fi shing locations are determined by major Strait of Georgia/Gulf area including Area 13, the only area in concentrations of fi sh and the potential for the highest roe SOG falling within PNCIMA. The special use herring fi shery 4 yield. These stocks fuel the four major commercial fi sheries provides opportunities to utilise herring in alternative ways to for herring including roe herring, spawn-on-kelp (SOK), food the mainstream herring fi sheries.1 and bait, and special use. In each stock assessment area, a maximum harvest rate (20 percent) of forecast returning Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: biomass is set.1 Stock assessments are based on biological 1 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. samples of the population age composition, average weight- 2 Fisheries management plans are available online at www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ops/fm/Herring/default_e.htm at-age, historical catch data, and assessments of spawn 3 Please note that the Haida Gwaii area may be referred to as either “HG” or “QCI” in relevant databases. 4 Hillier, C.J., Gueret, D., Butterfi eld, S. and Pellegrin, N. 2007. Fish harvesting activities within the proposed Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2803: vi + 65p.

Herring fi shing by gillnet. Illustration: Fisheries and Herring fi shing by purse seine. Illustration: Oceans Canada Fisheries and Oceans Canada

86 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 37 Herring Fishery Stock Assessment Areas

Commercial Fisheries | 87 38 Cumulative Sea Cucumber Fishery Eff ort

Sea Cucumbers Sea Cucumber Catch There are directed commercial fi sheries in the PNCIMA area 1600 for three species of echinoderms: one sea cucumber and 1400 1 two sea urchins. The sea cucumber fi shery targets giant red 1200 sea cucumbers (Parastichopus californicus), an echinoderm 1000 found at depths ranging from intertidal to 250 m. They are 800 found on most substrate types, but show preferences for hard substrates.2 Sea cucumbers are commonly associated with Catch (mt) 600 bedrock in areas with low to moderate current and areas 400 rich in micro-organisms and/or organic matter. In general, 200 echinoderm species aggregate, resulting in signifi cantly high 0 population densities in areas with favourable conditions, such 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 1998 1999 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 as available food and specifi c reproduction temperatures.3 Year Sea Cucumber Fishery Fishery Effort The sea cucumber hand-picking dive fi shery is small and limited.1 The PNCIMA sea cucumber catch is presented The fi shery effort map, using four by four km gridded data, alongside the coastwide catch in the graph.1,4 represents 78.40 percent of the data available for PNCIMA after screening for confi dentiality (minimum three Today, the commercial fi shery is managed vessels reporting per grid cell).1 The fi ve data through limited entry licensing, area licensing, The sea classes presented on the map are based on natural a precautionary fi xed exploitation rate of 4.2 cucumber groupings inherent in the data such that similar 5 percent, area quotas and an Individual Quota fi shery targets values are grouped and differences between classes (IQ) program. In 1997, an adaptive management giant red sea are maximized (Natural Break or Jenks statistical plan was implemented that divided the coast method). The cumulative sea cucumber fi shery into three categories: non-contiguous areas cucumbers effort was measured in dive hours. for the commercial fi shery, areas allocated for experimental fi sheries, and areas closed to Invertebrate fi sheries are predominantly located harvesting until they were determined to be sustainable.1 along the inner coast where access, transport and shipping of There are also large, self-imposed closures for this fi shery.6 product are more readily available. In PNCIMA, the majority of the sea cucumber fi shery effort is located in the inside waters of the central and northern coasts, primarily off Dean Channel, directly around Bella Bella, and in Douglas Channel leading to Kitimat. With the exception of the north and west coasts of Haida Gwaii (Pacifi c Fishery Management Areas [PFMAs] 1 and 2W), the central and north coast (PFMAs 3 to 10) support approximately 80 percent of the fi shery effort coast-wide.1 The proximity of fi shing to the coast makes the gridded data appear to overlap land, an artifact of applying the data to a standard grid. The fi shing data were layered above the land only to make the data more visible.

Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. Giant red sea cucumber. Photo: Mueller 2 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. 3 DFO. 2008/2009. Sea cucumber integrated fi sheries management plan, 82 pp. 4 The date ranges in the graph and map diff er because the graph is taken from MacConnachie et al. (see footnote 1), but updated information was available when creating the map. 5 The 2010/2011 Integrated Fishery Management Plan for sea cucumber states that the 4.2 percent harvest rate will continue to be used throughout most of coastal BC. The exception to this is that in newly surveyed locations where logistically impassable or unsafe areas have been removed and where the habitat is suitable for sea cucumber productivity, a harvest rate of 6.7 percent will be used. 6 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011).

88 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 38 Cumulative Sea Cucumber Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 89 39 Cumulative Red Sea Urchin Fishery Eff ort

Red Sea Urchins Red Sea Urchin Catch in PNCIMA There are directed commercial fi sheries in PNCIMA for three species of echinoderms: one sea cucumber and two sea urchins.1 Red sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) tend to associate themselves with kelp biobands and are known to form feeding fronts seaward along kelp forests in the shallow subtidal zone (zero to four metres below tide).2 In general, echinoderm species aggregate, resulting in signifi cantly high population densities in areas with favourable conditions, such as available food and specifi c reproduction 3 temperatures. after screening for confi dentiality (minimum three licences The Red Sea Urchin Fishery reporting per grid cell). The fi ve data classes presented on the map are based on natural groupings inherent in the data The commercial red sea urchin fi shery is conducted by divers such that similar values are grouped and differences between using short aluminum hand rakes to dislodge sea urchins from classes are maximized (Natural Break or Jenks the substrate.1 Red sea urchins are harvested for statistical method). Cumulative red sea urchin their roe (gonad).2 Red sea fi shery effort is measured in dive hours. Total annual red sea urchin catch increased between urchins are Similar to other invertebrate fi sheries, the red sea 1990 and 2003, peaking in 1992 at 12,000 metric harvested for urchin dive fi shery predominantly occurs along the tonnes (see graph).1,4 their roe inner coast where access, transport and shipping The red sea urchin fi shery is managed separately for product are more readily available.1 The fi shery from the green sea urchin fi shery because their occurs throughout the inshore waters of PNCIMA. distribution and targeted markets are quite different.1 The proximity of fi shing to the coast makes the gridded data Management tools for the red sea urchin fi shery include a appear to overlap land, an artifact of applying the data to minimum size limit to allow several spawning years prior the standard grid. The fi shing data for red sea urchins were to harvest, calculation of a total allowable catch using a layered above the land only to make the data more visible. precautionary fi xed exploitation rate of two to three percent of estimated biomass, limited entry licensing, area licensing, Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: area quotas and an individual quota program in which the total 1 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated quota is divided equally amongst licences.1 Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. 2 Hillier, C.J., Gueret, D., Butterfi eld, S. and Pellegrin, N. 2007. Fish harvesting activities within the proposed Fishery Effort Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2803: vi + 65p. 3 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated The fi shery effort map, using four by four km gridded data, Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. 4 The date ranges in the graph and map diff er because the graph is taken from MacConnachie et al. (see represents 96.3 percent of the data available for PNCIMA footnote 1), but updated information was available when creating the map.

Offl oading red sea urchins. Photos: Juanita Rogers

90 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 39 Cumulative Red Sea Urchin Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 91 40 Cumulative Green Sea Urchin Fishery Eff ort

Green Sea Urchins Green Sea Urchin Catch in PNCIMA There are directed commercial fi sheries in PNCIMA for three species of echinoderms: one sea cucumber and two sea urchins.1 Green sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) are quite mobile and make seasonal migrations between deep and shallow waters. In general, echinoderm species aggregate, resulting in signifi cantly high population densities in areas with favourable conditions, such as available food and specifi c reproduction temperatures.2 The Green Sea Urchin Fishery The commercial green sea urchin fi shery is conducted by divers and harvesting is limited to hand picking.1 Green sea classes are maximized (Natural Break or Jenks statistical urchins are harvested for their roe (gonad).3 method). In PNCIMA, cumulative green sea urchin fi shery effort is measured in dive hours. The green sea urchin fi shery is managed separately from the red sea urchin fi shery because their Similar to other invertebrate fi sheries, the green sea distribution and targeted markets are quite Green sea urchin dive fi shery is predominantly found along the different. Management strategies include stable urchins are inner coast where access, transport and shipping 1 effort and landings, increased catch per unit effort harvested for for product are more readily available. Dive effort (CPUE) and limited quotas.1 appears to be only located in the southeast portion their roe of PNCIMA in the waters of Queen Charlotte Strait Few recorded landings during fi shing seasons 2000 and Johnstone Strait, mostly between Port McNeill to 2001 and 2001 to 2002 caused prices and, in turn, and Campbell River. fi shing effort to decrease such that landings have not depicted actual green sea urchin abundance.4 Catches in PNCIMA The proximity of fi shing to the coast makes the gridded data relative to coastwide catches are presented in the graph.1 appear to overlap land, an artifact of applying the data to the Presently, the Pacifi c Fishery Management Areas open to standard grid. The fi shing data for green sea urchins were fi shing green sea urchins in PNCIMA include Areas 11, 12 and layered above the land only to make the data more visible. 13 (southern central coast), which have historically contributed 1 less than 90 percent to the coastwide effort in BC. Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: Fishery Effort 1 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. The fi shery effort map, using four by four km gridded data, 2 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated represents 89.3 percent of the data available for PNCIMA Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. 3 Hillier, C.J., Gueret, D., Butterfi eld, S. and Pellegrin, N. 2007. Fish harvesting activities within the proposed after screening for confi dentiality (minimum three licences Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2803: vi + 65p. reporting per grid cell). The fi ve data classes presented on 4 The date ranges in the graph and map diff er because the graph is taken from MacConnachie et al. (see footnote 1), but updated information was available when creating the map. the map are based on natural groupings inherent in the data such that similar values are grouped and differences between

Green sea urchins. Photo: Mueller

92 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 40 Cumulative Green Sea Urchin Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 93 41 Cumulative Geoduck Fishery Eff ort

Geoduck and Horse Clam Geoduck Catch in PNCIMA Geoduck (Panopea abrupta) and horse clams (Tresus capax 1 and T. nuttallii) are native bivalve species. The geoduck clam, 600 otherwise known as the King clam, is found from Alaska to 500 the Gulf of California and is widespread throughout the BC 400 coast.2 It is found from the intertidal zone to depths of at least 300 200 110 m, typically buried at least one metre deep in sand, silt, Catch (mt) gravel and other soft substrates. The horse clam is similar 100 in appearance to the geoduck clam. Horse clams burrow to 0

a depth of one metre and can inhabit similar habitats but are 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 typically found in the lower third of the intertidal zone.1 Year The Geoduck Fishery Horseclam Catch PNCIMA vs. Coastwide Geoduck and horse clams are harvested commercially by divers using high pressure water delivered through a nozzle. This tool loosens the substrate around the clam and allows the diver to remove the clam intact and alive. This gear is only permitted for commercial geoduck fi shing.1 Geoducks and horse clams are commercially managed Catch (mt) under a single ‘G’ licence. The geoduck fi shery is managed by quota, based on a fi xed exploitation level applied against a bed abundance estimate.1 Horse clams are usually harvested incidentally to geoduck but they are not included in the 2 quota system. Each geoduck bed has a limit reference Year point that does not allow the bed to be fi shed down below 50 percent of its virgin density.1 The location of the fi shery and cell).2 The fi ve data classes presented on the map are based schedule of openings and closings vary annually on natural groupings inherent in the data such that on a three year rotational fi shery period. Other Geoducks and similar values are grouped and differences between management measures include licence quotas and horse clams are classes are maximized (Natural Break or Jenks licensing areas. Due to a lack of stock assessment statistical method). information, the commercial fi shery for horse clams commercially The geoduck dive fi shery is predominantly found has been limited since 1992 to an incidental fi shery managed along the inner coast.2 In much of PNCIMA, clams only when the geoduck fi shery is open.2 under a single are found at the heads of inlets where there is some Geoduck and horse clam catches relative to ‘G’ licence deposition from river outlets, as well as in bays coastwide catches are presented in the graphs.2 accumulating suitable clam substrates.1 Fishery Effort The proximity of fi shing to the coast makes the gridded data appear to overlap land, an artifact of applying the data to the The fi shery effort map represents effort of the ‘G’ licensed standard grid. The fi shing data were layered above the land fi shery, which primarily harvests geoduck, but also some horse only to make the data more visible. clam. The map uses four by four km gridded data, represents

95.3 percent of the data available for PNCIMA after screening Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm for conﬁ dentiality (minimum three licences reporting per grid Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. 2 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p.

94 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 41 Cumulative Geoduck Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 95 42 Cumulative Crab Fishery Eff ort

The Crab Fishery Dungeness Crab Catch in PNCIMA by Year Two species of crab, Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) and red rock crab (Cancer productus), are commercially harvested throughout BC waters. Golden king crab (Lithodes aequispinus) and red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) may also be fi shed in the North and Central Coasts under amended Crab Catch (mt) Conditions of Licence. Commercial capture of graceful crab (Cancer gracilis) is no longer permitted; however, First Nations and recreational fi shers may catch and utilise all species of crab.1 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Crabs are commercially harvested using traps or ring nets. Year Both traps and ring nets are baited with fi sh, squid, offal or pellets. Traps can be fi shed on single lines or ground lines with Fishery Effort multiple traps, while ring nets are fi shed on single lines only.2 The crab fi shery effort within PNCIMA is presented based on The crab fi shery is managed by “Area” (A to J), of which A, the number of days gear was in the water and considered to be B, G and portions of E and H are within PNCIMA. Licensed actively fi shing (soak time). The fi shery effort map, using four crab vessels must select an area of their choice by four km gridded data, represents 90.01 percent to commercially fi sh for a three year period. The Crabs are of the data available for PNCIMA after screening for crab fi shery areas are defi ned by Pacifi c Fishery confi dentiality (minimum three vessels reporting per Management Areas (PFMAs). commercially grid cell). The fi ve data classes presented in the map The crab fi shery is managed under a precautionary harvested are based on natural groupings inherent in the data regime, including limited entry licensing, area using traps or such that similar values are grouped and differences licensing, trap limits, soak limits, a minimum ring nets between classes are maximized (Natural Break or harvestable size limit, sex restrictions, soft- Jenks statistical method). shell restrictions, seasonal closures and gear Within PNCIMA, the majority of fi shing effort restrictions.2 In addition, due to natural fl uctuations in the crab appears to take place in the northern portion of Hecate Strait. populations, a spawner index is used. Soft-shell closures have High effort levels (soak days) in Area A dominated the total been incorporated in crab fi sheries in Hecate Strait and Haida overall coastwide effort between 1996 and 2004. Gwaii.1 The proximity of fi shing to the coast makes the gridded data Notably high catches were recorded during the 2003 and 2004 appear to overlap land, an artifact of applying the data to a fi shing seasons, measuring more than 6,000 tonnes per year standard grid. The fi shing data were layered above the land (see graph).2 only to make the data more visible. More recent and potentially accurate data from electronic monitoring exists for some Area fi sheries. Exploratory crab fi sheries in areas such as southern Haida Gwaii, northern Goose Island Bank and west of Milbanke Sound (Queen Charlotte Sound) are not represented on this map due to the confi dentiality requirements outlined above.3

Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 Hillier, C.J., Gueret, D., Butterfi eld, S. and Pellegrin, N. 2007. Fish harvesting activities within the proposed Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2803: vi + 65p. 2 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. 3 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011).

Crab close up. Photo: DFO/ PBS/ Nanaimo

96 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 42 Cumulative Crab Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 97 43 Cumulative Shrimp Trawl Fishery Eff ort

Shrimp PNCIMA Shrimp by Trawl Catch Seven species of shrimp are commercially harvested in BC:1 smooth pink (ocean) shrimp (Pandalus jordani), northern (spiny) pink shrimp (Pandalus borealis eous), fl exed shrimp (Pandalus goniurus), sidestripe shrimp (Pandalopsis dispar), humpback shrimp (Pandalus hypsinotus), coonstripe (dock) shrimp (Pandalus danae) and spot prawn (Pandalus platyceros).2 Shrimp species occupy various habitats and ecological niches.3 The Shrimp Trawl Fishery Shrimp trawl landings are a mix of pink shrimp (more than 90 percent, including smooth pink and northern pink) and sidestripe shrimp. To a lesser extent, humpback, coonstripe and fl exed pink shrimp are caught along with a small Fishery Effort 3 permitted incidental catch of prawns. The fi shery effort map, using four by four km gridded data, Shrimp are harvested in the Pacifi c region by two fi sheries, represents 93.39 percent of the data available for PNCIMA trawl and trap. The shrimp trawl fi shery uses towed after screening for confi dentiality (minimum three nets including “beam trawl” whereby the net is held vessels reporting per grid cell).2 The fi ve data open by a beam or pole, and “otter trawl” whereby Pink shrimp classes presented on the map are based on natural the net is held open by wood or metal “otter” boards make up the groupings inherent in the data such that similar or doors.4 Beam trawlers comprise more than 75 majority of values are grouped and differences between classes percent of the commercial fl eet.3 shrimp trawl are maximized (Natural Break or Jenks statistical method). Historically, shrimp catches occurred in the inshore landings waters of the Strait of Georgia, the coastal areas off In PNCIMA, cumulative shrimp trawl fi shery effort the north coast inlets and the waters off the lower is measured in the number of hours trawl gear west coast of Vancouver Island. Shrimp catches increased was towed and actively fi shing. Similar to other invertebrate signifi cantly in 1996 as fi shing expanded to previously fi sheries, fi shing grounds are predominantly located along the unexploited areas, including offshore areas of the central coast inner coast where access, transport and shipping are more (see graph).2 readily available. Highly productive areas include the Prince Rupert Shrimp Management Area (Chatham Sound) and Management measures include catch monitoring, stock the near-shore waters of Queen Charlotte Sound (QCSND).2 assessment, and the use of Shrimp Management Areas to Shrimp trawl fi shing was closed in QCSND in 1999 because manage opening times, closing times and the Total Allowable of concerns for potential by-catch of Central Coast eulachon Catch ceiling.2 Of the 36 Shrimp Management Areas along the stocks.4 Map data in QCSND, therefore, represent fi shing BC coast, 15 are located entirely within PNCIMA, and fi ve are between 1996 and 1999.6 partially located within PNCIMA.5 The proximity of fi shing to the coast makes the gridded data appear to overlap land, an artifact of applying the data to a standard grid. The fi shing data were layered above the land only to make the data more visible.

Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. 2 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. 3 Hillier, C.J., Gueret, D., Butterfi eld, S. and Pellegrin, N. 2007. Fish harvesting activities within the proposed Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2803: vi + 65p. 4 DFO. 2008/2009. Shrimp trawl integrated fi sheries management plan, 102 pp. 5 Please note that the Haida Gwaii area may be referred to as either “HG” or “QCI” in relevant databases. 6 S. MacConnachie, Personal communication, February 2011.

Shrimp trawl. Photo: Juanita Rogers

98 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 43 Cumulative Shrimp Trawl Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 99 44 Cumulative Prawn Fishery Eff ort

Prawns Prawn Catch by Year in PNCIMA Prawns (Pandalus platyceros) are the largest of the seven commercially harvested species of shrimp in Canada’s west coast waters.1 Although adult prawns are mobile, they show limited migration. This results in hundreds of localized adult stocks.2 The Prawn Fishery Prawns in the commercial fi shery are caught in traps deployed on longlines at depths of 55 to 90 m and primarily on rocky bottoms. In the trap fi shery, prawns are the primary target along with some harvesting of humpback shrimp (Pandalus The trap fi shery accounts for 98 percent of total prawn hypsinotus) and coonstripe shrimp (Pandalus danae). Of the landings, the remaining two percent being shrimp trawl by- various trap designs, approximately 95 percent of commercial catch. Prawn catches in PNCIMA and coastwide are presented prawn fi shermen use web or soft mesh traps. A single licence in the graph.3 may fi sh a maximum of 300 traps on up to six ground lines. A licence may be “doubled up”, a practice that Fishery Effort involves two trap limits that are combined and The fi shery effort map, using four by four km fi shed from a single vessel, with a maximum of 500 Prawns are gridded data, represents 97.78 percent of the 1 traps on ten ground lines permitted. short-lived and data available for PNCIMA after screening for The commercial prawn trap fi shery is managed their stocks are confi dentiality (minimum three vessels reporting using a female spawner escapement index rather highly variable per grid cell).3 The fi ve data classes presented on than a total allowable catch. Prawns are short- the map are based on natural groupings inherent in lived and their stocks are highly variable, so the data such that similar values are grouped and stock strength cannot be forecasted from the abundance of differences between classes are maximized (Natural Break or preceding adult stocks. The fi shery is monitored and closes in Jenks statistical method). an area when the number of spawning individuals falls below In PNCIMA, effort in this fi shery represents the time in which a predetermined level. As individual coastal areas close during the trap gear was in the water (calculated from the “set” and the season, fi shing fl eets move and vessel effort becomes “hauled” times) in hours and is often referred to as “soak 2 concentrated in the remaining open areas. Management time”.1 Like many other invertebrate fi sheries, in PNCIMA measures are implemented and communicated using Pacifi c the prawn trap fi shery is predominantly found along the inner 1 Fishery Management Areas and Subareas (PFMAs). coast where access, transport, and shipping for products are more readily available.3 The highest effort occurs in the mainland inlets of Johnstone Strait and the inlets of Haida Gwaii. The proximity of fi shing to the coast makes the gridded data appear to overlap land, an artifact of applying the data to a standard grid. The fi shing data were layered above the land only to make the data more visible.

Map data are viewable online through DFO Mapster at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/maps/maps-data_e.htm Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 Hillier, C.J., Gueret, D., Butterfi eld, S. and Pellegrin, N. 2007. Fish harvesting activities within the proposed Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2803: vi + 65p. 2 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. 3 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p.

Prawn sampling. Photo: Jacob Joslin

100 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 44 Cumulative Prawn Fishery Eff ort

Commercial Fisheries | 101 45 Fishing Lodges

Recreational Fishing Regional Comparison: Combined Coho and Chinook Catch1

Recreational fi shing, also known as sport fi shing, is considered North & Central Coast (Areas 1–10) Strait of Georgia (Areas 13–19, 28, 29) fi shing by any means for recreational purposes.1 Fish caught through recreational fi shing cannot be legally bought, sold or bartered in Canada. The recreational marine, or tidal, fi shery is managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and is regulated by the BC Sport Fishing Regulations under the Fisheries Act. Freshwater recreational fi shing is managed and regulated under the jurisdiction of the Province of BC. Management measures include catch and size limits, licensing, gear restrictions, and seasonal and area closures. Number of Coho and Chinook Caught These measures are applied to varying degrees by area and Year species.1 Species and Catch Levels Catch statistics reveal a shift in the recreational fi shery from south to north. Between 1995 and 2005, the number of coho Chinook and coho salmon are the most common recreational and chinook caught in the Strait of Georgia dropped from more species caught in PNCIMA, although anecdotal evidence than 100,000 to less than 50,000 (see graph). Coho and chinook suggests fi shing of invertebrate species is increasing. Between catches on the north and central coast increased between 2003 and 2005, coho represented 41 percent of the average 1998 and 2004, reaching more than 200,000 in 2004.1 catch and chinook represented 38 percent, for a combined 79 percent share of the recreational catch. Halibut was the third Fishing Lodges 1 most abundant species fi shed in the area (see pie chart). As of 2009, there were 50 fi shing lodges in PNCIMA that catered to recreational anglers. They provide a range of Catch by Species (2003–05 average) services, from basic to full service including equipment North and Central Coast (areas 1–10) rentals, guided fi shing excursions, meals, accommodation (basic to luxury), and other non-fi shing activities. This number includes only those lodges which have a marine component (fl oating lodges or live aboard marine vessels which are moored in a semi-permanent or recurring location, and land- based lodges with docks).2 Fishing and charter operations which moor boats at marinas are not identifi ed on the accompanying map. Those operations house guests in in-town lodges or bed-and-breakfast style accommodation, or simply offer day charter services.

1 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis for the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 189 p. 2 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011).

Langara Fishing Lodge (Haida Gwaii). Sport fi shing in Broughton. Photo: Langara Fishing Adventures Photo: Jack Mathias

102 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 45 Fishing Lodges

Recreation and Tourism | 103 46 Finfi sh Aquaculture Tenures

Finfi sh Aquaculture in BC its southern portion.5 There has been a provincial moratorium on new salmon farming operations in northern BC since 2008 Finfi sh is one of three types of aquaculture activities in BC. due to concerns about potential effects on wild salmon stocks.6 The other two are shellfi sh and marine plant aquaculture. Finfi sh aquaculture is the production of farmed fi sh in Finfi sh aquaculture tenures can contain multiple areas which either freshwater or the marine environment for are not always adjacent. The accompanying map commercial or enhancement purposes. Freshwater displays tenures and multi-part tenures as points operations occur primarily on private land and Finfi sh located in the centre of individual areas; therefore, encompass commercial enterprises such as salmon aquaculture the number of points on the map will be greater and trout hatcheries, trout farms and fee-fi shing production than the total number of tenures. Tenures which operations. Marine sites are currently situated in PNCIMA is were still in the application phase as of November in foreshore areas; future offshore development dominated by 2010 are not illustrated. may be under the sole jurisdiction of Fisheries The map of tenure locations should not be used and Oceans Canada (DFO).1 Finfi sh aquaculture Atlantic salmon for navigation or to determine lease boundaries or production is dominated by Atlantic salmon (Salmo tenure sizes. It should also be noted that tenures are salar), followed by chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus both offered and expire over time; the BC Land and Resource tshawytscha); however, research continues in relation to other Data Warehouse should have the most up to date information.7 species.1,2 Not all fi nfi sh farms are necessarily active at any given time.8 Management Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: The federal government is responsible for regulating and 1 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated licensing fi nfi sh aquaculture operations in BC, although the Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. 2 Johannessen, D.I., Macdonald, J.S., Harris, K.A. and Ross, P.S. 2007. Marine environmental quality in province of BC administers the tenures for land occupation and the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA), British Columbia, Canada: A summary of use. Marine plant aquaculture is under provincial jurisdiction.3 contaminant sources, types and risks. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2716: xi + 53 p. 3 Government of Canada. 2010. Pacifi c aquaculture regulations. Canada Gazette 144(28). July 10. DFO will be developing Integrated Management of Aquaculture 4 March Klaver, Aquaculture Management Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Personal communication, Plans to align with its Sustainable Fisheries Framework.4 January 5, 2011. 5 Province of BC. 2010. Tantalis - Crown Tenures - November, 2010. Geographic Data Discovery Service. https:// Locations and Tenures apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/geometadata/metadataDetail.do?recordUID=54099&recordSet=ISO19115 (Accessed January 2011). PNCIMA contains almost half of the fi nfi sh aquaculture sites 6 Johannessen, D.I., Harris, K.A., Macdonald, J.S. and Ross, P.S.. 2007. Marine environmental quality in the North Coast and Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia, Canada: A review of contaminant sources, types, in BC, accounting for 42 of the 89 tenured sites in the province and risks. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2717: xii + 87 p. as of November 2010. At that time, an additional 49 tenure 7 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011). applications were in process within PNCIMA and 62 throughout 8 BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. The facts on B.C. aquaculture. BC. The majority of the fi nfi sh farms in PNCIMA are located in www.gov.bc.ca/fortherecord/aquaculture/aq_environment.html?src=/environment/aq_environment.html (Accessed April 2010).

Fish farms. Photos: Mueller

104 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 46 Finfi sh Aquaculture Tenures

Aquaculture | 105 47 Shellfi sh Aquaculture Tenures

Shellfi sh Aquaculture in BC Management Shellfi sh is one of three types of aquaculture activity in BC. The federal government is responsible for regulating most The others are fi nfi sh and marine plant aquaculture. Shellfi sh shellfi sh aquaculture operations in BC, although the Province aquaculture is the production of farmed marine invertebrates of BC administers the tenures for land occupation and in an aquatic environment or human-made container of water use. The Province of BC retains authority over wild oyster for commercial purposes, including the cultivation of shellfi sh and marine plant aquaculture with respect to harvest and on, in or under the foreshore or in open water.1 regulation.3 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Environment In BC, the most common commercially cultured In 2010, 6% of Canada administer the Canadian Shellfi sh Sanitation shellfi sh species include Pacifi c oyster (Crassostrea BC’s shellfi sh Program.1 gigas), Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum) and Japanese scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis).2 aquaculture Locations and Tenures Littleneck clam (Protothaca staminea), blue sites were in Along coastal BC, most shellfi sh aquaculture takes and Gallo mussel (Mytilus spp.), and geoduck PNCIMA place south of PNCIMA, where overall conditions (Panopea abrupta), are also farmed in BC. Spot are more suitable. In 2010, 27 of the 480 shellfi sh prawn (Pandalus platyceros), giant rock scallop aquaculture sites in BC (approximately six percent) were (Crassadoma gigantea), abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana), located within PNCIMA.4 In comparison, in 2005 there were giant Californian sea cucumber (Parastichopus californicus) 11 shellfi sh farms located within PNCIMA, representing and sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp.) are being cultured approximately two and a half percent of the provincial total. on an experimental basis. Three freshwater licence In 2005, there were an additional 15 pilot projects under way farms are experimenting with cultivating crayfi sh (Cherax on the North Coast and Haida Gwaii.1 As of November 2010 quadricarinatus).1 there were 12 applications for shellfi sh aquaculture tenures in process within PNCIMA. Shellfi sh aquaculture tenures can contain multiple areas which are not always adjacent. The accompanying map displays tenures and multi-part tenures as points located in the centre of individual areas; therefore, the number of points on the map will be greater than the total number of tenures. Tenures which were still in the application phase as of November 2010 are not illustrated. It should be noted that tenures are both offered and expire over time; the BC Land and Resource Data Warehouse should have the most up to date information.5

Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. 2 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. (Editors). 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667: xiii + 104p. 3 Ministry of Agriculture. 2010. Provincial aquaculture and commercial fi sheries program. http://www.al.gov. bc.ca/fi sheries/index.htm (Accessed April 2011). 4 Province of BC. 2010. Saltwater Finfi sh Tenures - Coastal Resource Information Management System. BC Government Crown Registry and Geographic Base Branch. https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/geometadata/ metadataDetail.do?recordUID=4025 (Accessed January 2011). 5 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011).

Pulling long lines – oyster aquaculture. Photo: BC Shellfi sh Grower’s Association

106 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 47 Shellfi sh Aquaculture Tenures

Aquaculture | 107 48 Renewable Ocean Energy Potential: Tidal and Wave

Renewable Ocean Energy Canada Tidal Current Power Resources Renewable energy is energy from sources that are The accompanying map shows the annual mean tidal power constantly renewed by natural processes.1 The most relevant estimated over a period of one year at 65 passages and renewable energy sources to PNCIMA are wind power, water reaches within PNCIMA. Seymour Narrows, near Campbell (hydroelectric) power, and ocean power from tidal River, presents the strongest tides and the highest and wave energy. Tidal and wave power potential Energy can be mean potential tidal power within PNCIMA. The are presented in the accompanying map. identifi cation of these sites was based on a variety of harnessed from data sources including: Canadian Sailing Directions, Tidal energy can be harnessed from the rapidly renewable nautical charts, tide books, tide and tidal current fl owing currents produced by tidal cycles. It is sources such as constituent data, and numerical tidal modeling considered to be a relatively stable source as its data.3 Back eddies that occur in localized areas, and production is the result of the lunar orbit and, tides and large which may also affect energy production potential, therefore, highly predictable and independent of waves are not displayed in this map. weather patterns and climate change.2 A detailed assessment of tidal feasibility on Haida Large waves and ocean swell contain relatively large amounts Gwaii was also conducted in 2008; however, this information of stored energy.2 Wave energy resources on Canada’s Pacifi c was not incorporated into the map.4 coast show strong seasonal variability, being seven times greater during the winter months than during the summer.3 Canada Wave Power Resources Data Sources Wave energy resources in Canada’s Pacifi c waters were analysed using a large quantity of data obtained from two main Tidal and wave power resources presented in the sources: direct wave measurements obtained at more than 60 accompanying map are based on the results of the Inventory stations, and wind-wave hindcasts of the Northeast Pacifi c.3 of Canada’s Marine Renewable Energy Resources. These data The wave energy resources within PNCIMA decrease toward illustrate the estimated potential energy resources available the mainland, and on the east coasts of Vancouver Island and in tidal fl ows and waves. The data were developed as part of a Haida Gwaii. The mean annual energy fl ux decreases from preliminary tidal current and wave resource inventory for all of approximately 44 kW/m 100 km offshore to approximately 36 Canada’s oceans.3 kW/m at the west side of Haida Gwaii and north Vancouver The estimates are potential resources, not economically or Island. practically realizable resources. Energy calculations are based Wave conditions at a particular site are highly variable at on preliminary estimates of existing tidal fl ows and wave many different time scales. The accuracy of wave energy data regimes, and no consideration has been given to the following decreases closer to shore, at depths of 100 to 150 m due to factors: environmental impacts, technological developments sheltering and the effects of bathymetry (water depths).5 and limitations in power extraction, climate related factors (e.g. ice, global climate change), site location versus power grid accessibility and power demand, hydrogen economy Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: developments, the effect of potential energy extraction 1 Government of BC. 2007. The BC energy plan. Ministry of Energy, Victoria, 44pp. schemes on existing fl ow conditions and wave regimes, and 2 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis for the Pacifi c North Coast 3 Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat.Sci 2677: viii + 188 p. economic factors. 3 Cornett, A. 2006. Inventory of Canada’s marine renewable energy resources. Canadian Hydraulics Centre, National Research Council. CHC-TR-041. 156 pp. http://chc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/Coastal/Projects/proj-6_e.html (Accessed October 2010) 4 Hatch Energy Ltd. 2008. Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands demonstration tidal power plant feasibility study fi nal draft report. Volumes 1 & 2. BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources: Victoria. 5 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011).

Photo: Coral Cargill

108 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 48 Renewable Ocean Energy Potential: Tidal and Wave

Energy | 109 49 Renewable Ocean Energy Potential: Wind

Renewable Ocean Energy Data Sources and Methodology Marine wind Renewable energy is energy from sources that are Wind power resources presented in the constantly renewed by natural processes.1 The most resources are accompanying map are from the Canadian Wind relevant renewable energy sources to PNCIMA are best along Energy Atlas (CWEA) produced by Environment wind power, water (hydroelectric) power, and ocean coastlines and Canada. In the CWEA, 65 partially overlapping power from tidal and wave energy. Wind power on large, open tiles illustrate Canada’s wind potential. Two tiles potential is presented in the accompanying map. areas of ocean cover the entire PNCIMA region. On each tile, climate is characterized by a large set of weather Wind energy can be harnessed by turbines and conditions, providing more than 200 different converted into electricity. Marine wind resources possible atmospheric states. Through climate modeling, wind are generally best along coastlines and on large, open areas of ﬂ ow was spatially determined for each of those states. Results ocean, where winds are stronger and less turbulent. Offshore were further processed with a statistical model representing wind projects also require close proximity to the power grid, the dominant winds in order to obtain weighted average wind shallow water and a suitable substrate on the sea ﬂ oor.2 velocities. Further statistical modeling was applied using large scale long term atmospheric data to obtain a small scale picture of atmospheric motion. A detailed description of the methodology used can be found at the CWEA website.3 Data displayed on the map represent mean wind power in watts per square metre at a height of 50 m above the sea surface. The data represent potential resources, not economically realizable resources. No consideration has been given to the following factors: environmental impacts, technological developments and limitations in power extraction, global climate change, site location versus power grid accessibility and power demand, water depth, suitable bed substrate, the effect of potential energy extraction schemes on existing wind regimes, and economic factors.4 Wind Power in PNCIMA The highest mean wind power in PNCIMA is shown in dark red on the accompanying map. Large areas of high mean wind power at 50m above sea level include: northwest of Vancouver Island in the vicinity of Scott Islands, Central Coast area west of Goose Island, and northern Hecate Strait.

Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 1 Government of BC. 2007. The BC energy plan. Ministry of Energy, Victoria, 44pp. 2 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis for the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat.Sci 2677: viii + 188 p. 3 Environment Canada. 2008. Canadian Wind Energy Atlas. http://www.windatlas.ca/en/methodology.php Off shore wind farm (UK). Photo: Eleanor Partridge/Marine Photobank (Accessed March 2011). 4 Cornett, A. 2006. Inventory of Canada’s marine renewable energy resources. Canadian Hydraulics Centre, National Research Council. CHC-TR-041. 156 pp. http://chc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/Coastal/Projects/proj-6_e.html (Accessed October 2010)

110 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 49 Renewable Ocean Energy Potential: Wind

Energy | 111 50 Renewable Energy Sites: Tenures and Applications

Renewable energy is energy from sources that are As of November 2010 there were 33 water power related constantly renewed by natural processes.1 The most relevant tenures held in the watersheds fl owing into PNCIMA including renewable energy sources to PNCIMA are wind power, water 14 in the investigative permit phase. A single project often (hydroelectric) power, and ocean power from tidal requires multiple tenures for various aspects of and wave energy. the operation including the penstock, powerhouse There were and associated roads and transmission lines. An Existing and proposed projects are presented in 124 renewable additional 230 tenures were in the application phase the accompanying map. As of November 2010 there at that time.2 were 124 renewable energy tenures in PNCIMA energy tenures issued as Licences of Occupation, Standard in PNCIMA in It was not possible to separate the data by project Leases or Investigative Permits. There were also 2010 size. Therefore, the accompanying map includes all 319 applications currently in process for licences water power projects, regardless of their size. or permits with the province at that time.2 The Ocean Energy (Wave and Tidal) accompanying map displays both tenures and applications. The ocean produces mechanical energy from tides and waves. It should be noted that tenures are both offered and expire Ocean energy can be harnessed using systems fi xed onshore over time; the BC Land and Resource Data Warehouse should or fl oating offshore.5 have the most up to date information.3 As of November 2010 there were 12 tenures for ocean power Wind Power held in PNCIMA, all investigative permits, with an additional Wind energy can be harnessed by turbines and converted into eight in the application phase.2 electricity. Power and Transmission Lines As of November 2010 there were 79 wind power tenures held Power and transmission line tenures and applications are in PNCIMA and an additional 81 in the application phase. Wind included in the accompanying map because they are an energy projects are located both offshore and onshore within integral component in the distribution of power derived from PNCIMA. There are a number of tenures located both onshore renewable energy sources. and offshore on northern Vancouver Island. There are large onshore tenures located on Aristazabal and Price Islands in Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: the Central Coast as well as on Banks, McCauley and Porcher 1 Government of BC. 2007. The BC energy plan. Ministry of Energy, Victoria, 44pp. Islands in the North Coast. There are also large wind energy 2 Province of BC. 2010. Tantalis - Crown Tenures. November, 2010. Geographic Data Discovery Service. https:// 2 apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/geometadata/metadataDetail.do?recordUID=54099&recordSet=ISO19115 (Accessed tenures currently held in Hecate Strait. January 2011). 3 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product Water Power of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011). 4 BC Ministry of Environment. 2010. Water stewardship. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/water_rights/ Water power is derived from the energy produced by the fall waterpower/ (Accessed January 2011). of water turning the blades of a turbine.4 Although not strictly 5 Cornett, A. 2006. Inventory of Canada’s marine renewable energy resources. Canadian Hydraulics Centre, National Research Council. CHC-TR-041. 156 pp. http://chc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/Coastal/Projects/proj-6_e.html marine, upstream water power projects can have downstream (Accessed November 2010) linkages to coastal areas.

Photo: iStock

112 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 50 Renewable Energy Sites: Tenures and Applications

Energy | 113 51 Sedimentary Basins

Sedimentary basins are geologic features created Sedimentary basins have the potential to contain when tectonic plates (mobile segments of the Portions of petroleum reserves. Queen Charlotte Basin, Tofi no Earth’s crust) move, lower and become fi lled in four major Basin and Georgia Basin are part of the continental with sedimentary deposits. The coastal mountain sedimentary shelf and have been the subject of exploratory ranges of BC were formed by tectonic uplift, drilling. Winona Basin is located at the base of the breaking, folding and buckling of the Earth’s basins fall within continental slope in deep water and remains largely crust. As these mountain ranges eroded over PNCIMA unexplored.1 time, sedimentation fi lled in offshore sedimentary Oil, tar and gas seeps have been found on Haida basins.1 Gwaii and in offshore waters; no signifi cant oil or gas deposits There are four major sedimentary basins in Canada’s Pacifi c: had been discovered as of 2007.1 Queen Charlotte Basin, Winona Basin, Tofi no Basin and 1 Georgia Basin. Portions of these basins are within PNCIMA, Material presented is drawn from the following literature review, which includes primary references: with the Queen Charlotte Basin taking up the largest portion 1 Conway, K.W. and D. Johannessen. 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Appendix A: Geology. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2677. 60pp. (see table).

Sedimentary basins in Canada’s Paciﬁ c1

Sedimentary Basin Total area of basin (km2) Area within PNCIMA (km2) Percent within PNCIMA Queen Charlotte 67,710 64,885 96 Georgia 15,380 710 5 Winona 7,915 140 2 Tofi no 29,485 140 0.5

114 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 51 Sedimentary Basins

Energy | 115 52 Oil and Gas Exploratory Wells and Tenures

Moratoria National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Federal and Haida Heritage Site boundaries relinquished their Moratoria on offshore oil and gas exploration in BC rights in 1997. This was a necessary prerequisite were established by the federal government in 1972 provincial for the establishment of the Gwaii Haanas National and BC government in 1989.1 moratoria on Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Exploratory Wells off shore oil and Heritage Site in 2010.4,5,6 gas exploration Exploratory wells are drilled to test for the presence in BC were Note that offshore petroleum tenure blocks do not of oil or gas reserves in new areas. The ﬁ rst extend onshore. With the exception of masking the exploratory oil well in BC was drilled in 1913 on established in terrestrial portion of the tenures, data are displayed Graham Island in Haida Gwaii.1 1972 and1989 as provided. Nothing should be inferred where The accompanying map shows the location of the 18 tenures extend beyond international boundaries 7 exploratory onshore and offshore oil wells drilled in PNCIMA.2 displayed on the map. All were drilled before 1989.3 Two sites at Naden Harbour (Haida Gwaii) overlap, so only 17 points are visible on the map. 1 Conway, K.W. and Johannessen, D. 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Appendix A: Geology. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2677. 60pp. Tenures 2 Lucas, B.G., Verrin, S. and Brown, R. 2007. Ecosystem overview: Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2667. 92pp + appendices. The accompanying map shows the location and ownership of 3 Natural Resources Canada. 2003. Metadata for GIS shapefi le “Off shore Wells” https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/ geometadata/metadataDetail.do?recordUID=7431&recordSet=ISO19115 offshore petroleum tenures under the provincial and federal 4 Parks Canada. 2010. Backgrounder: Establishing Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and governments. Haida Heritage Site. http://www.pc.gc.ca/APPS/CP-NR/release_e.asp?bgid=1352&andor1=bg (Accessed April 2011). Notably, there are no tenures around the southern part of 5 Dietrich, J.R., Morrell, G.R. and Fortier, M.C. 1992. Petroleum resource potential in the proposed area of Gwaii Haanas/South Moresby National Park, British Columbia. Geological Survey of Canada Open File 2557, 16+pp. Haida Gwaii. This is because the four major oil companies who 6 N. Irving and T. Tomascik, Parks Canada Agency; and C. Rigg, Haida Oceans Technical Team/Haida Fisheries Program. claimed petroleum rights within the existing Gwaii Haanas Personal communications, April 2011. 7 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011).

Off shore oil platform, Gulf of Mexico Photo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce

Off shore oil rig on artifi cial island, Alaska Photo: Captain Budd Christman, NOAA Corps/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce

116 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 52 Oil and Gas Exploratory Wells and Tenures

Energy | 117 53 Log Handling and Storage Tenures

Water-based Log Handling of log handling tenures within PNCIMA and its adjacent watersheds is 57.4 km2. The forestry industry uses water-based log handling methods in and adjacent to PNCIMA due to mountainous terrain and the Log handling tenures are distributed throughout the interior remote location of timber in adjacent coastal watersheds.1 waterways and channels of the north and central coasts, Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii. Their densest In general, logs are bundled, released into the distribution is in the southern portion of PNCIMA ocean via a log dumping method and stored in In 2010, 450 log in the mainland inlets ﬂ owing into Johnstone Strait booms. There are four methods of log dumping: handling tenures and Queen Charlotte Strait. skidways or slides, helicopter dumping, vertical overlapped hoist and direct to barge. Skidways are the most Individual log storage and handling tenures can common method of log dumping, and helicopter PNCIMA or contain multiple parcels of land which are not dumping occurs 20 percent of the time. Vertical its coastal always adjacent. The map displays tenures and hoist and direct to barge are not commonly used watersheds multi-part tenures as points located in the centre within PNCIMA.1 of individual parcels. Tugboats ferry the bundled and boomed logs to It should be noted that tenures are both offered and the nearest sorting and processing centres. For long distance expire over time; the BC Land and Resource Data Warehouse transport, logs are moved by barge. At dumping, sorting or should have the most up to date information.2 Tenures which processing sites, logs are stored in water and sorted on land. were still in the application phase as of November 2010 are not Processing involves dewatering the logs and preparing them illustrated. for further transport via land or water. In the areas adjacent to PNCIMA, centralized dryland log sorting sites are located at Prince Rupert, Port Edward and Ridley Island.1 Material presented is drawn from the following literature review, which includes primary references: Tenures 1 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2677. 188pp. 2 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product As of November 2010, there were 1007 log handling tenures of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011). in BC. Of these, 450 fell at least partly within PNCIMA or the coastal watersheds that ﬂ ow into PNCIMA. The total area

Photos: Steve Diggon

118 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 53 Log Handling and Storage Tenures

Forestry | 119 54 Mining Sites

Mining • mining that targets precious metals (gold and In 2010, seven silver) and base metals (copper, zinc, lead and Mining operations extract metallic and non- cadmium); and metallic mineral deposits from the earth.1 The BC mines were Ministry of Energy and Mines regulates mining in producing in • industrial mining for slag, silica, limestone, the province. the watersheds granite, dimension stone and building stone.3 There are six main phases in the development of a that fl ow into Operational mines, selected major exploration mine: PNCIMA projects, proposed mine developments and abandoned mine sites are depicted on the • Geoscience surveys accompanying map. • Exploration In 2010 there were seven producing mines (see table for • Discovery details), at least 30 exploration projects (one coal, 29 metal) • Development (feasibility studies and capital investment) and two proposed metal mining developments within the watersheds that ﬂ ow into PNCIMA.1,4 • Production (extraction, milling and processing activities)

• Reclamation (returning the land to a productive state) during Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: 2 1 Ministry of Forests, Mines and Lands. 2011. Exploration and mining in British Columbia 2010. Government of operation and/or after the mine is closed. BC: Victoria, 126 pp. http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geoscience/PublicationsCatalogue/ExplorationinBC/ Documents/2010/BCEx-Mining2010.pdf (Accessed March 2011). Mining Sites Adjacent to PNCIMA 2 BC Ministry of Energy. 2007. Energy and petroleum: six essential phases of mining. http://www.empr.gov. bc.ca/Mining/Pages/SixEssentialPhasesofMining.aspx (Accessed March 2009). In the watersheds draining into PNCIMA there are three types 3 MacConnachie, S.; Hillier, J.; Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine Use Analysis of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated of mining industries: Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2677. 188pp. 4 Grieve, D., Madu, B., Northcote, B., Wojdak, P., Fredericks, J., Meredith-Jones, S. and Desjardins, P. 2011. • coal mining for bituminous coal, sedimentary kaolin clay and Operating mines and selected major exploration projects in British Columbia 2010. BC Ministry of Forests, Mines and Lands. http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geoscience/PublicationsCatalogue/OpenFiles/2011/ ﬁ reclay; Documents/OF2011-1/OF2011-1.pdf (Accessed March 2011).

Active producing mines in the watersheds that ﬂ ow into PNCIMA1,4

Mine Location Description Myra Falls Southwest of Campbell River Metal mine (zinc, copper, gold, silver) Quinsam 18 km west of Campbell River Thermal coal Benson Lake Northern Vancouver Island Industrial minerals (white marble) Orca Near Port McNeill, northern Vancouver Island Industrial minerals (sand, gravel) PEM 100 (Apple Bay) Northern Vancouver Island Industrial minerals (chalky geyserite) Sentinel Stone Northern BC mainland Industrial minerals C1 Northern BC mainland Industrial minerals

BHP mine site, Quatsino Sound Photo: Steve Diggon

120 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 54 Mining Sites

Mining | 121 55 Disposal at Sea Sites

Disposal at Sea Current Disposal at Sea Sites Disposal at sea is the deliberate disposal of approved Currently, selection criteria for disposal at sea sites include materials from ships, aircrafts, platforms or other structures. consideration of ﬁ shery resources and habitat, adjacent These materials mostly consist of sediments dredged marine uses, evaluation of mixing and transport (e.g. current) from harbours and channels. Other materials that may be characteristics at the site, feasibility of monitoring the site considered for disposal are: ﬁ sheries waste, ships, and First Nations’ concerns.5 There are now 36 inert matter (substances that have no chemical designated sites in BC, half of which are used reactivity), uncontaminated organic matter and Three of the ten routinely.4 bulky substances.1 disposal at sea Three of the ten disposal sites within PNCIMA are Environment Canada administers the disposal at sites in PNCIMA active as listed (from south to north): sea program under the Canadian Environmental are active • Johnstone Strait-Hickey Point - designated in Protection Act, 1999.1 The program involves permit 1980 to dispose of dredged material from log dump applications, testing of disposal materials, a and marine-based log sorting facilities. ‘Notice of Intent’ process, fee structures, expert advice, compliance and enforcement monitoring, and ongoing • Johnstone Strait-Hanson Island - designated in 1980 to site monitoring procedures that are the responsibility of dispose of mud and wood waste from log storage and dredging Environment Canada and the disposal permit applicant.2 All material from Port McNeill harbour and Sointula Marina. proposed ocean disposal projects are reviewed under the • Brown Passage, west of Prince Rupert - established in 1946 Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, registered in an on- to dispose of ammunition and scrap metal. More recently, it line public registry and published in the Canada Gazette before has primarily been used to dispose of dredged material from a permit is issued or amended. Changes to the disposal at sea Prince Rupert port facilities.4 program require public consultation.1

Historically there have been more than 140 disposal at sea 1 Environment Canada. 2010. Disposal at sea. http://ec.gc.ca/iem-das/Default.asp?lang=En&n=0047B595-1 sites in BC, including approximately 40 in PNCIMA.3,4 These (Accessed December 2010). 2 Environment Canada. 2010. Applying for a permit. http://ec.gc.ca/iem-das/default. were mainly distributed around the west and east coasts of asp?lang=En&n=11663F70-1. (Accessed December 2010). northern Vancouver Island and around Prince Rupert, with a 3 Ward, A.B. and Sullivan, D.L. 1980. A review of existing and historical ocean dumpsites in the Pacifi c region. Regional Program Report 80-5. Environmental Protection Service, Environment Canada, Pacifi c Region. few sites at Oceans Falls and Bella Coola on the Central Coast, 4 Sullivan, D. 1987. Compilation and assessment of research, monitoring and dumping information for active and in Haida Gwaii.3 The primary waste materials disposed of dump sites on the British Columbia and Yukon coasts for 1979-1987. Manuscript Report 87-02. Prepared for Pacifi c Region Ocean Dumping Advisory Committee. at these sites were mud, sand, gravel, wood wastes and wood 5 Environment Canada. 2009. Fact sheet: disposal at sea in British Columbia. http://www.portmetrovancouver. debris.3,4 Most of these sites have become inactive.5 com/Libraries/PROJECTS_Dredging/Disposal_at_Sea_Fact_Sheet_Feb_09.sfl b.ashx (Accessed December 2010).

122 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 55 Disposal at Sea Sites

Point Source Pollution | 123 56 Areas of Refuge for Vessels in Distress

Areas of Refuge refuge remained available for commercial marine traffi c. These harbours needed to be of adequate size, located Areas of refuge are used by vessels in distress, for example as along commercial navigation routes and able to provide safe haven for ships experiencing diffi culties with inclement adequate shelter to accommodate a tug and the load being weather or in need of a calm harbour to make vessel repairs. towed. Certain harbours were identifi ed as critical In calmer seas, many of these areas also provide harbours.2 secure anchorage for recreational boaters. Areas of refuge To ensure the harbour remains available as a Transport Canada (TC) is the lead agency for are used by harbour of refuge, shoreline development is decisions related to a ship in need of assistance vessels in restrained and commercial traffi c is provided priority requesting a place of refuge, and works in distress and anchorage. Some reserves include some shoreline collaboration with other agencies as appropriate. development such as jetties and wharves. Reserve For example, TC collaborates with Fisheries and recreational use is variable with some sites being used only Oceans Canada with respect to pollution prevention boaters occasionally.2 and communications with vessels through the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).1 Towboat reserves do not appear on marine charts. To ensure these reserves are protected, they were mapped to TC, supported by International Maritime Organization provide location information to TC Navigable Waters Protection guidelines, does not defi ne permanent places of refuge, Division and TC Marine Branch for consideration during because weather and sea conditions are constantly changing. navigational reviews and decisions.2 Instead, vessels in need contact TC or the CCG, who advise them of appropriate locations at the time of the call.1 This Council of British Columbia Yacht Clubs (CBCYC) Boat approach for identifi cation of areas means that places of Havens refuge cannot be appropriately mapped. The CBCYC established and published a catalogue of boat Processes have been able to map safe harbours for other haven anchorages along the BC coast. These sites were sought purposes, however. Displayed on the accompanying map are to provide secure anchoring, specifi cally for use by small two such initiatives, namely Towboat Reserves and the Council vessels for a “peaceful night.” The boat havens are digitally of British Columbia Yacht Clubs Boat Havens.1 plotted on maps used by government agencies but not all are fully protected for CBCYC’s intended purpose.3 Towboat Reserves

Towboat reserves are set aside to provide temporary shelter 1 Transport Canada. 2007. National Places of Refuge Contingency Plan (PORCP), document TP 14707E for commercial marine trafﬁ c during inclement weather (07/2007). www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/TP/TP14707/tp14707E.pdf (Accessed February 2009). or when waiting for favorable tides. Towboat reserves were 2 Harder, S. 2007. Towboat reserves shape fi le metadata published on October 30. Transport Canada. 3 Council of B.C. Yacht Clubs. N.d. Provincial boat havens. www.cbcyachtclubs.ca/boathavens.htm (Accessed put in place along the BC coast to ensure that harbours of February 2009).

Photo: Coral Cargill

124 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 56 Areas of Refuge for Vessels in Distress

Marine Transportation | 125 57 Passenger Ferry Routes

Ferry Routes The primary provider of passenger and vehicle ferry service in PNCIMA is BC Ferry Services Inc.1 Another ferry service operating in PNCIMA is the Alaska Ferry, whose dock is within Prince Rupert’s civic boundaries.2 For routes managed by BC Ferries, the number of round trips for each route was derived from published data in the BC Ferry Services 2007/2008 Annual Report. The number was approximated for all other ferry routes based on the posted annual schedule for each route.3 The lines on the accompanying map depict channels used and not necessarily the actual paths followed by the ferries. The information is not to be used for navigation.

BC Ferries Photo: Anuradha Rao BC Ferries services three main routes in PNCIMA: • Route 10 – Inside Passage (Port Hardy to Prince Rupert); Alaska Ferry • Route 11 – Haida Gwaii to Prince Rupert; and The Alaska Ferry service links Prince Rupert to the Alaska communities of Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, • Route 40 – Discovery Coast Passage (Port Hardy Juneau, Haines, Skagway and Whittier using three to Central Coast).2 4 BC Ferries, the routes. Another route transits PNCIMA from Bellingham, Washington to Alaska.5 The Inside Passage route is used for Alaska Ferry and transportation of vehicles and goods (truck Other Routes cartage), and for tourism. In the winter it also other ferries services those mid-coast locations covered by the operate routes Several ferry routes are not displayed in the Discovery Coast Passage route.2 through PNCIMA accompanying map, including small or irregularly scheduled freight barging and water taxi services The Haida Gwaii to Prince Rupert route is both a and the following unregulated routes listed in the year-round commuter and summer tourist service.1 Coastal Ferry Services Contract: The Discovery Coast Passage route serves Port Hardy, • Prince Rupert to Lax Kw’alaams; McLoughlin Bay (Bella Bella), Shearwater, Klemtu, Ocean Falls and Bella Coola during the summer from June to • Prince Rupert to Hartley Bay, Metlakatla, Kitkatla and Oona early September. This route provides passenger service for River; and residents, commercial vehicles and tourists.1 • Freight and other services by Marine Link Transportation There are also smaller routes in Haida Gwaii between Alliford Ltd. with a variable route from Campbell River to mainland 3 Bay and Skidegate; on Vancouver Island between Alert Bay, inlets, Desolation Sound, and the Discovery Islands. Sointula and Port McNeill, between Campbell River and Quadra Island; and between Quadra Island and Cortes Island.1 1 British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. 2010. BC Ferries. www.bcferries.com (Accessed November 2010). 2 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis for the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. Material presented is drawn from the following, including literature reviews that contain primary references: 3 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011). 4 Alaska Marine Highway System. 2010. www.akmhs.com (Accessed November 2010). 5 Stewart / Hyder International Chamber of Commerce. N.d. Stewart and Hyder International Chamber of Commerce. www.stewart-hyder.com/hyder.html (Accessed November 2010).

Photo: Craig Outhet

126 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 57 Passenger Ferry Routes

Marine Transportation | 127 58 All Vessel Traffi c Density

Marine Vessels Passage and Hecate Strait. On average, there were more than 1,000 vessel equivalents3 annually travelling the Inside Vessel traffi c in PNCIMA includes a wide range of ship Passage between 2003 and 2008. There are also frequent ship types in commercial, fi shing and recreational fl eets. The movements in the approaches to Prince Rupert, with a mean of Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) Marine Communications and 400 vessel movements per year.4 Traffi c Services (MCTS) program monitors and regulates the movement of large vessels such as freighters, Within PNCIMA, towboats and tugboats account for tankers cruise ships, fi shing vessels and some 40 percent of all traffi c, followed by carrier vessels large yachts through congested waterways. With Most vessel at 26 percent. Passenger-related traffi c (cruise the exception of the Prince Rupert and Kitimat traffi c in ships and ferries) account for 18 percent, fi shing port facilities, most large vessel traffi c in PNCIMA PNCIMA is in vessels larger than 24 m and not actively fi shing consists of vessels transiting the area while en Johnstone account for 15 percent, and oil tankers account for route to or from ports in Vancouver, Seattle, Alaska Strait, Inside one percent of all traffi c. and Asia.1 Passage and There are also many additional smaller vessels, Vessel Traffi c Density Hecate Strait such as pleasure craft, that are not accounted for in the map as they are not required to routinely A study of ship movements on the BC coast was report to MCTS except in distress situations.4 Many conducted using MCTS data from 2003 and 2005 tugs on the BC coast are less than 20 m in length, and many of to 2008 to determine seasonal trends by ship type. Mean those run without a tow. These tugs are not required to report daily vessel movements were summarized using two different to MCTS, so the accompanying map likely underrepresents grids: one of ten by ten km cells for offshore waters and tug traffi c.5 Fishing vessels smaller than 24 m are also not another of three by three km cells for inshore waters. This accounted for in the map. was necessary to show differences in data quality for different parts of the BC coast, specifi cally differences in accuracy (e.g. When MCTS data were processed, efforts were made to of the radar) and in the frequency with which vessel positions remove duplicate entries and data suggesting unusual were recorded. More detailed and accurate information could numbers of ship movements; however, no further analyses be obtained from vessels monitored inshore (from 200 to were carried out to eliminate or fi x anomalous vessel 1,000 m between recorded vessel locations), compared to paths. Therefore, grid cells of the lowest value class (cells vessels monitored offshore (from two to ten km between representing one to 50 vessels in the accompanying map) recorded vessel locations). Yearly estimates were extracted by should be interpreted with caution. multiplying mean daily estimates by 365 days. Vessel traffi c data in most fjords is not available because vessels are not Material presented is drawn from the following literature reviews, which include primary references: usually tracked in those locations.2 1 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis for the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. The study indicated that the majority of vessel traffi c on the 2 Serra-Sogas, N. 2010. Modelling risk of chronic oil pollution from vessel operations in Canada’s west coast (Masters thesis). Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. BC coast is in the south, through the Juan de Fuca Strait and 3 An individual vessel may travel the route on more than one occasion. the Strait of Georgia. There is, however, signifi cant vessel 4 O’Hara, P, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, unpublished data. 5 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product traffi c through PNCIMA, particularly in Johnstone Strait, Inside of the British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011).

Bulk carriers. Photos: Coral Cargill

128 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 58 All Vessel Traffi c Density

Marine Transportation | 129 59 Oil Tanker Vessel Traffi c Density (Summer)

Tankers data quality for different parts of the BC coast, specifi cally differences in accuracy (e.g. of the radar) and in the frequency Tanker vessel traffi c includes carriers of liquid hydrocarbons with which vessel positions were recorded. More detailed such as liquid gas, petroleum products and vegetable and accurate information could be obtained from vessels oils, which differ from bulk carriers designed to transport monitored inshore (from 200 to 1,000 m between recorded unpackaged cargo such as grains, coal, cement and iron ore. vessel locations), compared to vessels monitored offshore Tanker Exclusion Zone (from two to ten km between recorded vessel In 1988 the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), the US locations). Seasonal estimates of vessel movements A voluntary were calculated by multiplying mean daily estimates Coast Guard and the American Institute of Merchant Tanker Shipping (now the Chamber of Shipping of America) by 182.5 days (six months). Vessel traffi c data in adopted a voluntary Tanker Exclusion Zone off Exclusion Zone most fjords is not available because vessels are not 3 Canada’s west coast.1 The zone’s purpose is to was adopted usually tracked in those locations. keep laden tankers west of the zone boundary in in 1988 The Tanker Exclusion Zone results in most tanker an effort to protect the environment and shoreline traffi c transiting outside of PNCIMA. The current in the event of a tanker becoming disabled while in exceptions are tankers bound for Prince Rupert or transit.2 The Tanker Exclusion Zone was delineated because it Kitimat as destination ports that use an established route would take less than 24 hours for a disabled tanker in that area north of Hecate Strait. Between April and September, most to drift ashore in unfavourable weather conditions prior to the tanker traffi c within PNCIMA occurred in Douglas Channel en arrival of a tug.1 route to Kitimat, as well as in the offshore area on the western 3 Tanker Vessel Traffi c Density (Summer) edge of PNCIMA due to transiting tankers. Further analysis would be required to determine whether the latter vessels In the 1970s, the Trans Alaska Pipeline System that runs from are laden tankers not following the voluntary rules, or empty Prudhoe Bay to Valdez was completed. Since that time, tankers vessels. varying in size from 50,000 to 250,000 dead weight tonnes have been transporting crude oil from Valdez to west coast ports in When MCTS data were processed, efforts were made to the lower 48 US States. On average, one loaded tanker enters remove duplicate entries and data suggesting unusual the Juan de Fuca Strait every day and another tanker, with numbers of ship movements; however, no further analyses ballast, leaves the strait for Alaska.1 were carried out to eliminate or fi x anomalous vessel paths. Therefore, grid cells of the lowest value class (cells A study of ship movements on the BC coast was conducted representing one vessel in the accompanying map) should be using the CCG’s Marine Communication and Traffi c Services interpreted with caution. data from 2003 and 2005 to 2008 to determine seasonal trends by ship type. Mean daily vessel movements were summarized 1 Canessa, R., Conley, K. and Smiley, B. 2003. Bowie Seamount Pilot Marine Protected Area: an ecosystem overview. using two different grids: one of ten by ten km cells for Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2461: xi + 85 p 2 J. Aulakh, Environment Canada. Personal communication, April 2011. offshore waters and another of three by three km cells for 3 Serra-Sogas, N. 2010. Modelling risk of chronic oil pollution from vessel operations in Canada’s west coast (Masters inshore waters. This was necessary to show differences in thesis). Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC.

Tanker. Photo: Steve Diggon

130 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 59 Oil Tanker Vessel Traffi c Density (Summer)

Marine Transportation | 131 60 Oil Tanker Vessel Traffi c Density (Winter)

Tankers offshore waters and another of three by three km cells for inshore waters. This was necessary to show differences in Tanker vessel traffi c includes carriers of liquid hydrocarbons data quality for different parts of the BC coast, specifi cally such as liquid gas, petroleum products and vegetable oils, differences in accuracy (e.g. of the radar) and in the frequency which differ from bulk carriers designated to transport with which vessel positions were recorded. More detailed unpackaged cargo such as grains, coal, cement and iron ore. and accurate information could be obtained from vessels Tanker Exclusion Zone monitored inshore (from 200 to 1,000 m between In 1988 the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), the Tankers travel recorded vessel locations), compared to vessels US Coast Guard and the American Institute of through monitored offshore (from two to ten km between Merchant Shipping (now the Chamber of Shipping recorded vessel locations). Seasonal estimates of Hecate Strait vessel movements were calculated by multiplying of America) adopted a voluntary Tanker Exclusion and Douglas Zone off Canada’s west coast.1 The zone’s mean daily estimates by 182.5 days (six months). purpose is to keep laden tankers west of the zone Channel to Vessel traffi c data in most fjords is not available boundary in an effort to protect the environment Prince Rupert because vessels are not usually tracked in those 3 and shoreline in the event of a tanker becoming and Kitimat locations. disabled while in transit.2 The Tanker Exclusion The Tanker Exclusion Zone results in most tanker Zone was delineated because it would take less traffi c transiting outside of PNCIMA. The current than 24 hours for a disabled tanker in that area to drift ashore exceptions are tankers bound for Prince Rupert or Kitimat in unfavourable weather conditions prior to the arrival of a as destination ports that use an established route across tug.1 and through the north of Hecate Strait. Between October and Tanker Vessel Traffi c Density (Winter) March, the average tanker traffi c within PNCIMA was highest in Douglas Channel en route to Kitimat.3 In the 1970s, the Trans Alaska Pipeline System that runs from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, Alaska was completed. Since that time, When MCTS data were processed, efforts were made to tankers varying in size from 50,000 to 250,000 dead weight remove duplicate entries and data suggesting unusual tonnes have been transporting crude oil from Valdez to west numbers of ship movements; however, no further analyses coast ports in the lower 48 US states. On average, one loaded were carried out to eliminate or fi x anomalous vessel tanker enters the Juan de Fuca Strait every day and another paths. Therefore, grid cells of the lowest value class (cells tanker, with ballast, leaves the strait for Alaska.1 representing one to fi ve vessels in the accompanying map) should be interpreted with caution. A study of ship movements on the BC coast was conducted

using the CCG’s Marine Communication and Trafﬁ c Services 1 Canessa, R., Conley, K. and Smiley, B. 2003. Bowie Seamount Pilot Marine Protected Area: an ecosystem data from 2003 and 2005 to 2008 to determine seasonal trends overview. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2461: xi + 85 p. 2 J. Aulakh, Environment Canada. Personal communication, April 2011. by ship type. Mean daily vessel movements were summarized 3 Serra-Sogas, N. 2010. Modelling risk of chronic oil pollution from vessel operations in Canada’s west coast using two different grids: one of ten by ten km cells for (Masters thesis). Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC.

132 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 60 Oil Tanker Vessel Traffi c Density (Winter)

Marine Transportation | 133 61 Fishing Industry Vessel Traffi c Density (Summer)

Fishing Vessels in PNCIMA be actively fi shing are not accounted for in the calculation of yearly means for this map.3 Data displayed on this map only Many commercial fi sheries take place in PNCIMA year round.1 denote fi shing vessels in transit, travelling from one port to These include: geoduck by dive; dungeness crab by trap; another, or from fi shing grounds to port. rockfi sh by hook and line; sablefi sh by longline and trap; salmon by troll, seine and gillnet; and groundfi sh trawl.2 Other The data indicate extensive and signifi cant vessel traffi c near commercial fi sheries take place at particular times the ports of Prince Rupert, Port Hardy, Port McNeill of year. Commercial prawn by trap is one example of and Campbell River, where fi sh are brought in for a fi shery that is conducted primarily in the summer Fishing vessel processing and vessels are refuelled, serviced or months. traffi c in moored until the next fi shery opening. Transit routes can also be seen through Hecate Strait.2 Fishing Vessel Traffi c Density (Summer) PNCIMA is Large commercial fi shing vessels can be found A study of ship movements on the BC coast was greater in the throughout PNCIMA year round, although the total conducted using the Canadian Coast Guard’s summer than number of fi shing vessel movements appears to Marine Communication and Traffi c Services (MCTS) in the winter be signifi cantly greater in the summer (April to program’s data from 2003 and 2005 to 2008 to September) than in the winter (October to March).3,4 determine seasonal trends by ship type. Mean daily vessel movements were summarized using two different grids: When MCTS data were processed, efforts were made to one of ten by ten km cells for offshore waters and another of remove duplicate entries and data suggesting unusual three by three km cells for inshore waters. This was necessary numbers of ship movements; however, no further analyses to show differences in data quality for different parts of the were carried out to eliminate or fi x anomalous vessel BC coast, specifi cally differences in the frequency with which paths. Therefore, grid cells of the lowest value class (cells vessel positions were recorded. More detailed and accurate representing one to 25 vessels in the accompanying map) information could be obtained from vessels monitored inshore should be interpreted with caution. (from 200 to 1,000 m between recorded vessel locations), compared to vessels monitored offshore (from two to ten km 1 Hillier, C.J., Gueret, D., Butterfi eld, S. and Pellegrin, N. 2007. Fish harvesting activities within the proposed between recorded vessel locations). Seasonal estimates of Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2803: vi + 65 p. 2 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis for the Pacifi c North Coast vessel movements were calculated by multiplying mean daily Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. estimates by 182.5 days (six months). Vessel traffi c data in 3 Serra-Sogas, N. 2010. Modelling risk of chronic oil pollution from vessel operations in Canada’s west coast (Masters thesis). Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. most fjords is not available because vessels are not usually 4 When the data are queried, they show that the total number of vessel movements in summer are 15,000 in tracked in those locations.3 off shore waters and 111,000 in inshore waters, while in the winter the total number of vessel movements are 11,000 in off shore waters and 105,000 in inshore waters. These diff erences are not apparent from the map, The estimates of fi shing vessel movements only include fi shing which does not present these totals. vessels over 24 m in length and not actively fi shing. Smaller fi shing vessels less than 24 m in length that may or may not

Photo: Steve Diggon

Fish boat. Photo: DFO/ PBS/ Nanaimo

134 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 61 Fishing Industry Vessel Traffi c Density (Summer)

Marine Transportation | 135 62 Fishing Industry Vessel Traffi c Density (Winter)

Fishing Vessels in PNCIMA fi shing vessels less than 24 m in length that may or may not be actively fi shing are not accounted for in the calculation of Many commercial fi sheries take place year round within yearly means for this map.3 Data displayed on this map only PNCIMA.1 These include: geoduck by dive; dungeness crab by denote fi shing vessels in transit, travelling from one port to trap; rockfi sh by hook and line; sablefi sh by longline and trap; another, or from fi shing grounds to port. salmon by troll, seine and gillnet; and groundfi sh trawl.2 Other commercial fi sheries take place at particular times The data indicate extensive and signifi cant vessel of year. The commercial herring roe fi shery is an traffi c near the ports of Prince Rupert, Port Hardy, example of a fi shery that takes place exclusively in Most winter Port McNeill and Campbell River, where fi sh are the winter months. fi shing vessel brought in for processing and vessels are refuelled, serviced or moored until the next opening.2 Fishing Vessel Traffi c Density (Winter) traffi c in PNCIMA occurs Large commercial fi shing vessels can be found A study of ship movements on the BC coast was throughout PNCIMA year round, although the total conducted using the Canadian Coast Guard’s near certain number of fi shing vessel movements appears Marine Communication and Traffi c Services (MCTS) ports to be signifi cantly less during the winter months program’s data from 2003 and 2005 to 2008 to (October to March) than in the summer (April to determine seasonal trends by ship type. Mean daily September).3,4 vessel movements were summarized using two different grids: one of ten by ten km cells for offshore waters and another of When MCTS data were processed, efforts were made to three by three km cells for inshore waters. This was necessary remove duplicate entries and data suggesting unusual to show differences in data quality for different parts of the numbers of ship movements; however, no further analyses BC coast, specifi cally differences in the frequency with which were carried out to eliminate or fi x anomalous vessel vessel positions were recorded. More detailed and accurate paths. Therefore, grid cells of the lowest value class (cells information could be obtained from vessels monitored inshore representing one to 25 vessels in the accompanying map) (from 200 to 1,000 m between recorded vessel locations), should be interpreted with caution. compared to vessels monitored offshore (from two to ten km between recorded vessel locations). Seasonal estimates of 1 Hillier, C.J., Gueret, D., Butterfi eld, S. and Pellegrin, N. 2007. Fish harvesting activities within the proposed Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2803: vi + 65 p. vessel movements were calculated by multiplying mean daily 2 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis for the Pacifi c North Coast estimates by 182.5 days (six months). Vessel traffi c data in Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. most fjords is not available because vessels are not usually 3 Serra-Sogas, N. 2010. Modelling risk of chronic oil pollution from vessel operations in Canada’s west coast (Masters thesis). Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. 3 tracked in those locations. 4 When the data are queried, they show that the total number of vessel movements in summer are 15,000 in off shore waters and 111,000 in inshore waters, while in the winter the total number of vessel movements are The estimates of fi shing vessel movements only include fi shing 11,000 in off shore waters and 105,000 in inshore waters. These diff erences are not apparent from the map, vessels over 24 m in length and not actively fi shing. Smaller which does not present these totals.

136 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 62 Fishing Industry Vessel Traffi c Density (Winter)

Marine Transportation | 137 63 Cruise Ship Traffi c Density (Summer)

Cruise Ships in PNCIMA season.3 Winter cruise ship traffi c patterns can be viewed in the Marine Use Analysis for PNCIMA.1 Cruise ship activity in PNCIMA consists of two main segments: The predominant summer cruise route transits between • Large vessel cruise ships that travel through the region, Campbell River to Prince Rupert through Johnstone Strait, some of which make port of call stops in Prince Rupert; Queen Charlotte Sound and Hecate Strait.4 Most ships • Smaller ships of the pocket cruise industry, transiting from Seattle or Vancouver to Alaska which make stops at many ports in the region. go through Hecate Strait rather than Grenville In recent years, pocket cruises have visited the The dominant Channel or Principe Channel in order to be able communities of Alert Bay and Telegraph Cove, cruise route to discharge waste water offshore.3 Data reveal and they continue to berth at the Atlin terminal in transits through a maximum of approximately 430 cruise ship 1 Prince Rupert. Johnstone Strait, movements during the summer months within The US Passenger Services Act of 1886 stipulates Queen Charlotte Johnstone Strait. Routes also exist through Fitz Hugh Sound near Bella Bella, and through that vessels not owned by US citizens, built by Sound and Hecate US shipyards and staffed by US citizens cannot Caamano Sound. 1 Strait transport passengers between US ports. As most In the 2010 season, while more than 400 large cruise vessels are foreign fl agged and owned, cruise vessels passed through PNCIMA along cruises from a US port south of the Canadian border to Alaska the Inside Passage Marine Highway en route to Alaska, only must stop at a BC port. 23 of those vessels, carrying 55,300 passengers, berthed at Cruise Ship Traffi c Density the Prince Rupert Northland cruise terminal. The remaining vessels tend not to stop in PNCIMA,1 although rare calls have A study of ship movements on the BC coast was conducted been noted on Haida Gwaii. Approximately half of these travel using the Canadian Coast Guard’s Marine Communication and directly from Vancouver to Alaska through the Inside Passage, Traffi c Services (MCTS) program’s data from 2003 and 2005 while the remaining vessels from Seattle make in-transit calls to 2008 to determine seasonal trends by ship type. Mean daily in Victoria and travel on the west coast of Vancouver Island. vessel movements were summarized using two different grids: There are currently no ships calling on Campbell River, and one of ten by ten km cells for offshore waters and another of ships conducting seasonal calls to Nanaimo often do not pass three by three km cells for inshore waters. This was necessary through PNCIMA.5 to show differences in data quality for different parts of the BC coast, specifi cally differences in accuracy (e.g. of the When MCTS data were processed, efforts were made to radar) and in the frequency with which vessel positions were remove duplicate entries and data suggesting unusual recorded. More detailed and accurate information could be numbers of ship movements; however, no further analyses obtained from vessels monitored inshore (from 200 to 1,000 were carried out to eliminate or fi x anomalous vessel m between recorded vessel locations), compared to vessels paths. Therefore, grid cells of the lowest value class (cells monitored offshore (from two to ten km between recorded representing one to 25 vessels in the accompanying map) vessel locations). Seasonal estimates of vessel movements should be interpreted with caution. were calculated by multiplying mean daily estimates by 182.5 days (six months). Vessel traffi c data in most fjords is not 1 MacConnachie, S., Hillier, J. and Butterfi eld, S. 2007. Marine use analysis for the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci 2677: viii + 188p. available because vessels are not usually tracked in those 2 Serra-Sogas, N. 2010. Modelling risk of chronic oil pollution from vessel operations in Canada’s west coast (Masters locations.2 The density estimates are relative; doubled tracks thesis). Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. 3 British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis Project Team. 2011. Marine atlas of Pacifi c Canada: a product of the and anomalous routes are not accurately presented. British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis. Available from www.bcmca.ca (Accessed March 2011). 4 The apparent break in density values south of northeastern Vancouver Island is due to the change in the size of cells Cruise activity in BC is seasonal, with the majority of sailings used to summarize the data, not due to a drop in the number of ships. taking place in the summer months. Very little traffi c occurs 5 Phil Westoby, Cruise Development Coordinator, Prince Rupert Port Authority. Personal Communication, December in the winter, so only summer cruise ship activity (April to 2010. September) is presented on the accompanying map. Use of BC waters by cruise ships is also highly variable from season to

Cruise ship. Photo: Ange Hill Cruise ship in Prince Rupert. Photo: Jacob Joslin

138 | Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area 63 Cruise Ship Traffi c Density (Summer)

Marine Transportation | 139 Atlas of Pacifi the c North Coast Integratedc North Coast Management Area Atlas of the Pacifi c North Coast Integrated Management Area

Contact For more information about PNCIMA, visit www.pncima.org or contact the PNCIMA Planning Ofﬁ ce at [email protected]