The Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs Marine Protected Area aims to conserve the biological diversity, structural habitat, and ecosystem function of four glass sponge reefs. The MPA will contribute approximately 0.04% to Canadas marine conservation targets. Thought to be the largest living example of glass sponge reefs from the Jurassic period, the reefs are located at depths of 140-240m below the surface. The fragility of the reefs makes them vulnerable to damage from human activity. The MPA is comprised of a Northern Reef Marine Protected Area, Central Reefs Marine Protected Area, and a Southern Marine Protected Area, each consisting of core protection zones, adaptive management zones, and vertical adaptive management zones. A management plan is being developed to guide the day to day management, governance, and monitoring of the MPA.
Progress reports
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Type of commitment
- Ecosystem-based Adaptation
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
Type of commitment
- Marine protected area with partial protection
February 2017
