Kitkatla Inlet Marine Protected Area

Description

The zones in this profile stretch from the top of MacAuley Island to the western coast of the Porcher Peninsula, including Kitkatla Inlet, and the islands and marine areas surrounding the village of the Lach Klan (Kitkatla) on Dolphin Island. It also includes the northwest coast of Banks Island. The area includes a variety of habitats and both exposed and sheltered shorelines, which are important to Northern abalone, herring, Pacific sand lance, and salmon. The northern and western marine coastline of Banks Island promotes extensive canopy-forming giant kelp and bull kelp stands, and 283 provides important habitat for a diversity of marine fish and invertebrates. This area is of critical importance to the Gitxaala Nation. Because of the cultural importance of a broad suite of species, overall biodiversity in the area and the interest in dynamically and sustainably managing species in these zones, the cultural conservation objectives identify multiple species within these zones that are of importance to the Gitxaala Nation. The ecological conservation objectives focus on those habitats and habitat features to be protected in the potential MPA.

Gitxaala Nii Luutiksm/Kitkatla Conservancy provides safe boat anchorages for boaters travelling along the North Coast, and good opportunities for recreation activities and wildlife viewing. The many inlets can be sheltered and calm, with landing beaches available. With the ecological diversity present in this area comes opportunities for several fisheries. Salmon, herring spawn, groundfish (halibut, rockfish, lingcod) and shellfish (sea cucumber, geoduck, crab, shrimp, and red sea urchin) can be found throughout the area and contribute towards Gitxaala, commercial, and recreational fisheries.