South Moresby (Gwaii Haanas) National Marine Park Reserve
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When Gwaii traanas (South Moresby ) on the southern end or the Queen Charlotte Islands was established as a National Park Reserve in 1988, British Columbians celebrated a great victory in wilderness preservation. Spectacular Gwaii Haanas is part of the Haida Nation's traditional territory, and the rich surrounding waters have always been inextricably linked with their culture and economy. While the land was protected only to the high tide line, a promise was made to also protect the surrounding life-supporting oceans in a complimentary Marine National Park Reserve. In 2002 federal legislation is expected to pass that will fulfill this promise.
The waters around Haida Gwaii, being one of the biologically richest marine areas in the world, need "no take zone" marine park protection. This region nurtures major fish stocks, BC's biggest seabird colonies and nesting sites, as well as its richest clam-beds and concentrations of intertidal life. It also has some of the highest tides in the world. The biological and cultural significance of this area is recognized in its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Allowing oil and gas exploration and development adjacent to the marine park would place the protected waters and shores in great jeopardy with chronic low level oil pollution, toxic leakage, noise pollution and the almost inevitable massive oil spill that would destroy the ecology and wildlife in this world-class site.
