Tag Archives: Hecate Strait

Communications

Crabbers refute blame from CityWest over Haida Gwaii internet disruptions

Editor’s note: In CityWest’s press release regarding the incident that follows they state, “see image (above) – marine vessel charts indicate an absence of fishing vessels in the vicinity. However, crabbing pots are observed directly on top of the Haida Gwaii subsea fiber line and right-of-way.”

CityWest has not responded to Cortes Currents repeated requests for an update regarding the installation of internet services on Cortes Island. One of their press releases suggests this began in November ‘with a select group of beta testers.’ Some homes in Mansons Landing and Squirrel Cove informed Cortes Currents they are currently using CityWest, other Cortes residents recently stated they are still waiting.

By Seth Forward, Prince Rupert Northern View, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

CityWest has reestablished most of its service to Haida Gwaii after a month of interruptions have plagued the archipelago since Dec. 24, the company said in a Jan. 24 statement. 

The internet and phone service provider said two sub-sea cables were damaged by crab traps in the Hecate Strait, though the Area A Crab Association firmly disputes the claims, calling them “unlikely, if not impossible.” 

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Animals, Rivers & Oceans

Research groups sound alarm after three whales reportedly struck by ships off West Coast

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Three whales were reportedly struck by vessels in northern B.C. waters over a 10-day period last month, raising West Coast humpback researchers’ concerns over the risk shipping poses to the marine mammals.

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Energy

ExxonMobil cuts bait on exploration rights for B.C. coast

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Fossil fuel giant ExxonMobil is relinquishing its long-standing oil and gas exploration permits that threaten sensitive marine ecosystems on the B.C. coast — a heartening development, a coalition of environmental groups say. 

The move by the oil and gas company is encouraging, say the groups waging a lawsuit against the federal government over historical “sleeper” permits that expose B.C. waters — and marine protected areas in particular — to environmental threats from exploratory drilling. 

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