X̲aana K̲aahlii / G̲aw K̲áahlii (Skidegate Inlet/ Masset Inlet) Wildlife Management Areas

Description

Skidegate Inlet

Ecological Context

This site includes a variety of zones throughout Skidegate Inlet that supports eelgrass beds, is an important region for many migratory species, and for nesting sites for many marine birds. There are many exposed and sheltered shorelines, rocky and sandy beaches, and small islands and islets. Unique currents and tidal influence from the Pacific, and inflow of fresh water from the many creeks and rivers as well as the Hecate Strait create a unique environment abundant with life. There are many important fish bearing estuaries and marine habitats, such as Maude Island, which supports has unique benthic features, and Government Creek, an important salmon estuary. Skidegate Inlet supports many different species of conservation concern, species at risk, and unique species, including significant colonies of marine birds and breeding habitat, marine mammals, salmon, corals, spot prawns, leatherback sea turtles, transient killer whales, Dungeness crab, and a high diversity of marine invertebrates.

Cultural Context

This site has high cultural and historic value, including multiple Haida Village sites and seasonal camps, and important areas for learning traditional practices. Historically and presently the nearshore area provides an important travel route for Haida to access fishing grounds and other village sites to the south, west, and north of the inlet. During the pandemics of smallpox, influenza and the Spanish Flu, Haida from other villages in the south were forced to migrate to HlGaagilda as population numbers rapidly declined; Skidegate Inlet became an increasingly important place for food security. Moreover, the nearshore sites contribute to conservation of species significant to First Nations and coastal communities, including those important for cultural use and food security. These species include, but are not limited to, nesting sites and foraging habitats for marine birds, harvesting of seaweeds and kelp, herring and herring roe on kelp, marine invertebrates, and various species of fish.

Human-Use Context

The site overlaps with the Damaxyaa Haida Heritage Site and B.C. Conservancy on the southern side of the inlet. Communities in close proximity to this site include the Haida community of HlGaagilda Skidegate, and the municipalities of Daajing Giids the Village of Queen Charlotte and K’il Kun Sandspit. This region is an important transportation hub, being the marine extension of Highway 16 via B.C. Ferries and connecting the community of K’il Kun with Graham Island. Close proximity to Damaxyaa permits marine and backcountry accessible camping in sheltered inlets, most of which can be accessed via kayak and small recreational boats. Tourists frequent the area via chartered groups or self-guided trips operating out HlGaagilda, Daajing Giids and K’il Kun. Logging activity is active in Bearskin Bay via barges and trucks. Many commercial fisheries in Skidegate Inlet are closed to support access for Haida and other local communities. Shellfish aquaculture tenures are active in select areas in Skidegate inlet outside of the proposed protected areas.

Masset Inlet

Ecological Context

Masset Inlet has unique oceanography that supports eelgrass beds, a variety of salmon estuaries, and herring spawn, and is an important region for many migratory bird species. Masset Sound is dominated by warm, shallow, sandy and flat bottom with high currents and exposure. Shorelines are exposed to winds and wave action, whereas further within the inlet it is more protected and large eelgrass and kelp beds are found. Masset Inlet supports many different species of conservation concern, species at risk, and unique species, including significant colonies of marine birds and breeding habitat, marine mammals, salmon (including an endemic run of chinook salmon), harbor seals, herring, eulachon habitat, killer whale rubbing habitat, halibut, rockfish, and a high diversity of marine invertebrates.

Cultural Context

The area has high cultural and historic value, including multiple Haida Village sites and seasonal camps, and important areas for learning traditional practices. There are multiple travel routes throughout the region to access various estuaries and Dixon Entrance. Moreover, the nearshore sites contribute to conservation of species significant to First Nations and coastal communities, including those important for cultural use and food security. These species include, but are not limited to, nesting sites and foraging habitats for marine birds, harvesting of seaweeds and kelp, herring and herring roe on kelp, marine invertebrates, and various species of fish.

Human-Use Context

The area overlaps with the Nang Xaldangaas and Yaaguun Gandlaay Haida Heritage Sites and B.C. Conservancies. Communities in close proximity to this region include the Haida community of Gaw Tlagee, and the municipalities of Gamadiis Village of Port Clements, Village of Masset and rural communities on Nadu Road. Close proximity to Nang Xaldangaas and Yaaguun Gandlaay permits marine and backcountry accessible camping, most of which can be accessed via kayak, small recreational boats, and logging roads. Tourists frequent the area via chartered groups or self-guided trips operating out Gamadiis and Gaw Tlagee. Logging activity is active in the surrounding watersheds, with much of the wood being transported via barges and trucks. Many commercial fisheries in Masset Inlet are closed, but some, such as pink salmon, have limited access. Sports fishing is common in the area with multiple lodges and charter companies operating out of Gamadiis and Gaw Tlagee.