By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Offshore of Vancouver Island, in Nuu-chah-nulth waters 65 kilometers west of Hesquiat Harbour, lives a nursery of deep-sea octopuses brooding their eggs. This is one of four known octopus nurseries in the world, said DFO researcher Cherisse Du Preez.
Continue reading Deep-sea octopus nursery discovered in Nuu-chah-nulth waters
Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The federal government and coastal First Nations took a significant step towards establishing a massive marine protected area off the West Coast of Vancouver Island on Tuesday.
The proposed Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱isMarine Protected Area (MPA) covers a 133,000-square-kilometre swath of open ocean 150 kilometres off the island’s west coast. The area harbours a unique concentration of hydrothermal vents, underwater sea mountains and rich deep-sea biodiversity hot spots found nowhere else in the world.
Continue reading Canada, First Nations take first steps to protect massive swath of deep ocean on West Coast
By Crystal St.Pierre, Windspeaker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Four communities along the western shores of British Columbia that are members of the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary will be showcased in an upcoming television series called Ocean Warriors – Mission Ready.
“We are going to watch those guys transition into a full-fledged volunteer Indigenous coast guard,” said Steve Sxwithul’txw, creator, producer and director of the upcoming series.
Continue reading Ocean rescue ‘heroes’ the subject of new television seriesBy Melissa Renwick, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tofino, BC – Around two weeks ago, Nicole Gervais said chunks of Styrofoam started washing ashore on the northern end of Long Beach, near the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation community of Esowista on Vancouver Island.
Continue reading Coastal communities ‘raise the alarm’ around marine debris
