Tag Archives: Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala IPCA

The future of rare cold-water coral garden on B.C. coast is still on the line

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The fate of a rare and splendid coral garden in a remote B.C. inlet is still on the line pending a decision by the federal government to establish interim protections before the fishing season launches this spring.  

However, the First Nation and conservationists striving to protect the trove of large orange coral fans are more optimistic than they were last spring when Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) failed to put a fishing moratorium in place to protect the fragile ecosystem. 

Continue reading The future of rare cold-water coral garden on B.C. coast is still on the line

Rare cold-water coral garden in peril on B.C. coast

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A remarkable coral garden tucked away in a remote inlet on B.C.’s wild central coast is in danger unless the federal government takes immediate steps to save it from destruction before prawn fishing season gets underway, conservationists say.

Heavy prawn traps and ropes, which make contact with the seabed, are particularly destructive to the delicate red tree corals, or Primnoa pacifica, in a unique area in the centre of Knight Inlet, said professional diver, filmmaker and naturalist Neil McDaniel. 

Continue reading Rare cold-water coral garden in peril on B.C. coast