British Columbia establishes massive new salmon-focused marine reserve

A vast new marine reserve has been established along British Columbia’s central coast. Named Mia-yaltwa Ha'lidzogm hoon, meaning 'realm of the salmon, home of the salmon,' the protected area spans 6,700 square kilometres. It will be jointly managed by Parks Canada, Indigenous leaders, and federal partners under a landmark conservation agreement.

The reserve stretches from Gil Island in the north down to Calvert Island in the south, reaching inland as far as Bella Coola. It lies within the Great Bear Sea, a rich marine ecosystem covering over half of B.C.’s coastline. The waters support glass sponge reefs, killer whales, migrating humpbacks, and critical salmon habitats.

Six coastal First Nations—the Wuikinuxv, Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai'xais, Heiltsuk, Gitxaała, and Gitga’at—declared the area an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area. This designation ensures their leadership in conservation through Indigenous governance. The agreement also includes the provincial and federal governments, making it the sixth such reserve in Canada and the second in B.C., following Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. Most fisheries, except for bottom trawling, will continue under the new protections. The next steps involve forming a collective management board and drafting a zoning plan. These measures aim to balance conservation with ongoing fishing and tourism activities.

The reserve’s official status will be finalised under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act, a process expected to take several years. Once established, the management board will oversee its long-term protection. The agreement marks a significant collaboration between Indigenous stewardship and government conservation efforts.