Two New Marine Refuges on Haida Gwaii Will Protect Marine Biodiversity

On October 17, 2025, the President of the Haida Nation, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, and Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, formally announced two new marine refuges on Haida Gwaii. Also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is biodiversity-rich archipelago off British Columbia’s west coast in the Great Bear Sea. Audubon celebrates the establishment of these marine refuges, which will protect over 29 km² of important bird habitat, as well as habitat for salmon, herring, and harbor seals.

The 22.42 km² G̲aw K̲áahlii Marine Refuge (Masset Inlet) and the 7.16 km² X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuge (Skidgate Inlet) were both established under the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence initiative to advance reconciliation and Indigenous-led marine conservation on the west coast of Canada. The marine refuges will be co-managed by the Council of the Haida Nation along with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

“X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuge will provide protection for eelgrass and estuary ecosystems that are critical for many birds, including Black Oystercatchers that nest there,” said Dr. Jeff Wells, vice president of Audubon’s Canada program. “G̲aw K̲áahlii Marine Refuge will protect essential stopover habitat for many migratory birds, including Western Sandpipers, as well as killer whales, salmon, and other marine life that rely on the inlet. The establishment of both marine refuges is a huge win for the Haida Nation and will benefit an abundance of wildlife for generations to come.”   

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The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive.

Media Contact: Rebecca Sentner, rebecca.sentner@audubon.org