Annual Report 2022

Haida Gwaii is a remote archipelago located on the north Pacific Coast and is home to a rich abundance and diversity of marine life, lush rainforests, and the Haida people who have lived there for thousands of years. Its remote location, rugged coastline, variable sea and weather conditions, and rich ecological and cultural heritage make Haida Gwaii vulnerable to the potential for pollution from ship breakdowns and accidents. The Voluntary Protection Zone (VPZ) for Shipping asks vessels to observe greater distances when transiting on the west coast of Haida Gwaii. The goal of the VPZ is to increase the likelihood for a towing vessel to respond to a vessel that is disabled or drifting, or for a vessel to conduct repairs, thereby reducing the risk of grounding and oil spills.

The project represents significant and unprecedented collaboration between the Council of the Haida Nation, the Government of Canada, and the maritime shipping industry, along with many other advisors and partners, and supports commitments made by the Government of Canada to advance collaboration in the spirit of Haida reconciliation.

When navigationally safe to do so, vessels 500 gross tonnage or greater transiting along the west coast of Haida Gwaii are asked to observe a minimum distance of 50 nm offshore, with the following exceptions:

• Cruise vessels, who are asked to observe a minimum 12 nm distance from shore;

• Vessels transiting between Pacific Northwest ports (British Columbia, Washington and Alaska), who are asked to observe a minimum 25 nm distance from shore;

• Tugs and barges (including pushing and towing alongside); and

• Fishing vessels.

In 2022, 94% of vessels transiting the west coast of Haida Gwaii observed the VPZ