B.C.'s glass sponge reefs in Hecate Strait could become a new federal marine protected area, bringing the fragile ecosystem one step closer to permanent protection.
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea announced Tuesday that the reefs have been named an "area of interest" for establishing a new protected area.
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society applauded the decision in a press release, pointing out that Shea's announcement means bottom trawling will continue to be banned around the reefs.
"These are the only living glass sponge reefs known in the world and are precious beyond words. We are so glad that they are finally on a firm road to permanent protection," said Sabine Jessen, national oceans program manager for CPAWS.
The reefs cover a total area of more than 700 square kilometres, and serve as vital habitat for at-risk rockfish populations.
The area will now be evaluated as a possible marine protected area.
B.C. is already home to two marine protected areas: the Endeavour hydrothermal vents, located 250 km west of Vancouver Island, and the Bowie Seamount, 180 km west of the Haida Gwaii.
The Race Rocks area off the southern tip of Vancouver Island is also considered an area of interest for a future marine protected area.
