The initial 14-month trial of the Voluntary Protection Zone (VPZ) concluded on October 31, 2021. As of November 1, 2021, the VPZ has been extended and remains in effect until further notice.
Current information is available in the latest release of the Canadian Coast Guard’s monthly Notices to Mariners, Western Edition and Transport Canada’s Ship Safety Bulletin No. 13/2021.
Haida Gwaii is a remote archipelago located on Canada’s north Pacific Coast that is home to a rich abundance and diversity of marine life, lush rainforests, and the Haida people who have lived there for thousands of years. The lands and waters of the southern portion of the archipelago are protected as the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area and Haida Heritage Site, which includes the ancient Haida village site of SGang Gwaay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its remote location, rugged coastline, variable sea and weather conditions, and rich ecological and cultural heritage, make Haida Gwaii vulnerable to the potential for pollution from shipping breakdowns and accidents. Increasing the distance vessels travel offshore can increase the amount of time available to address propulsion, steering or other issues, and the likelihood of a towing vessel being able to respond to a vessel that is disabled or drifting. This, in turn, reduces the risk of grounding and oil spills. To assess the effectiveness of such a measure, a Voluntary Protection Zone (VPZ) for Shipping is being implemented that asks vessels to observe greater distances when transiting on the west coast of Haida Gwaii.
The VPZ is based on the analysis of multi-year vessel traffic patterns and potential impacts to industry operations. The project represents a significant and unprecedented collaboration between the Council of the Haida Nation, the Government of Canada, and the maritime shipping industry, along with other advisors and partners, and supports commitments made by the Government of Canada and the Council of the Haida Nation to advance collaboration in the spirit of reconciliation. The VPZ is co-led by the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) and Transport Canada (TC), operating under the collaborative governance structure established in the Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection (RFA) and has been developed as part of the Proactive Vessel Management (PVM) initiative of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan (OPP).
