Taking care of the ocean that takes care of us.
The Great Bear Sea Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network in the Northern Shelf Bioregion is a conservation initiative, made by the coast for the coast, to protect a prosperous ocean and benefit all who call the coast home.
Photo by Parks Canada / Peter Moore
What Is An MPA? ➝
MPAs are conservation tools that effectively protect ocean health.
The MPA Network ➝
The MPA Network was co-developed and is collaboratively governed by 17 coastal First Nations, the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.
Protected Areas ➝
The Great Bear Sea MPA Network builds on existing conservation in the region and covers 30% of the Great Bear Sea/Northern Shelf Bioregion. View full map on Seasketch.
FAQ ➝
Learn more about the Great Bear Sea MPA Network.
Latest News and Stories
Scenario One Report
Good planning takes time and collaboration, which is exemplified in the Scenario One Report. Through iterative engagement with stakeholders and knowledge...
March 2026
Job Posting: Data Management and GIS Contractor
This position is a joint initiative between the Great Bear Sea MPA Network and MaPP. The Data management and GIS...
February 2026
Upwelling Series: MPAs and Climate Change in the Great Bear Sea
In Sept 2025, the Network Partners co-hosted a webinar with our Knowledge Advisory Committee to share knowledge about how climate change affects ecosystems and communities in the Great Bear...
February 2026
Network Year-one Implementation Progress Report – July 2025
On June 21 of 2024 the Network partners signed several key agreements: the Collaborative Governance Agreement for the Advancement and...
July 2025
Goals
The Great Bear Sea MPA Network is the first of its kind in Canada, and the largest Indigenous-led, collaboratively governed MPA Network in the world.
This innovative initiative is built on decades of planning and consultation to design an approach that benefits people and nature through six goals.
Protect and maintain biodiversity
Contribute to social, community and economic stability
Conserve and protect fishery resources and habitats
Conserve and protect traditional use and cultural heritage
Maintain and facilitate tourism and recreation
Provide opportunities for scientific research, education and awareness
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Photo by Charles Short