What are the Harms of Midwater Trawling?
![](https://www.strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/28170778115_fa0e9dd2a7_k-1024x768.jpg)
Midwater trawling is a technique designed to fish pelagic (midwater) species such as squid and shrimp, and schooling fish like sardines, hake, and herring. Boats herd and enclose these target species by towing large nets through the water column, above the seafloor. This technique, the industry argues, is less destructive than dragging nets on the […]
BC’s Orca
![An orca spyhopping during the sunset in waters off BC's coast.](https://www.strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-1024x576.png)
BC’s marine ecosystem is home to hundreds of orcas-creatures so intelligent, social, and visually stunning that they have inspired legends among First Nations and fear in early settlers, and now attracted legions of fans.
Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas
![Ron Desjarlais and Hannah Hoag.](https://www.strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PKP_7302-1024x683.jpg)
Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) are a powerful tool to provide important economic opportunities for coastal communities, and safeguard BC’s marine economy for all by protecting BC’s most vital habitats and species.
The Importance of Herring for The Great Bear Sea
![](https://www.strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pacific-herring.jpg)
Herring are the most important keystone fish in the Great Bear Sea. They are critical food for many creatures who inhabit the coast.
How Marine Protected Areas Benefit Fisheries
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MPAs present a science-backed solution that promises not only to protect marine biodiversity but also to enhance the productivity and sustainability of fisheries.
The Great Bear Sea Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network
![E47WHT Fishing boats trawlers marina docks piers port, Cow Bay harbour harbor, Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada.](https://www.strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/E47WHT-1024x681.jpg)
The benefits of the Great Bear Sea MPA Network are virtually endless, from protecting coastal habitats to supporting healthy ecosytems.
What are Marine Protected Areas?
![A Kitasoo / Xai'xais First Nation Coastal Guardian monitoring the Gitdisdzu Lugyeks (Kitasu Bay) Marine Protected Area.](https://www.strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/D58J7J-1024x680-1.jpg)
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are designated areas of the ocean and coastal regions which are managed to protect marine ecosystems, habitats, and species while also enhancing local and regional fishing stocks.
The Great Bear Sea: A Thriving Marine System Essential for Our Coastal Economy
![](https://www.strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DDTK9N-1024x683.jpg)
The Great Bear Sea is one of the most biodiverse and unique places on the planet and a true British Columbian treasure. Unfortunately, its marine abundance has been a magnet for industrial extraction, which has damaged marine habitats and left many species, from ancient sponge glass reefs to salmon, at risk.
BC’s Squid
![](https://www.strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/squi-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg)
Among the BC coast’s varied marine species, squid play a fascinating and vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of our coast.
Spotted Ratfish
![Close up of a spotted ratfish showing its glowing brown eye](https://www.strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ratfish-1-1024x768.jpg)
The spotted ratfish may be an elusive creature, but its importance in the marine ecosystem cannot be underestimated.