The Importance of Herring for The Great Bear Sea
![PAcific Herring](https://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.
Coast Guard Sends Warning with Record Fines for Neglected Boats in Coastal BC
![A visual posted on the Canadian Coast Guard's Facebook page, highlighting the MV Dorothy Gale incident.](https://strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/canadian-coast-guard-dorothy-gale-768x426-1.jpeg)
The owner of an abandoned boat in Haida Gwaii faces a $12,000 fine after ignoring warnings.
How Marine Protected Areas Benefit Fisheries
![A graphic explaining that Marine Protected Areas will create sustainable fisheries for British Columbia's coastal communities](https://strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/67CB3B61-5343-4304-AA42-BF06C162896C-1024x533.png)
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://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://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
![Klemtu village and wharf seen from the ocean, Swindle Island, British Columbia](https://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.
Why is DFO Considering Extending BC Fish Farm Licences When Feds Promised Transition Plan by 2025?
![An open-net fish farm.](https://strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fish-farm-cermaq-768x512-1.jpeg)
New proposal to expand licences from two to six years has many concerned about the future of wild salmon.
Heiltsuk First Nation Challenges Canada in Court Over Herring Harvest Ban
![herring fishing using the Spawn on Kelp (SOK) technique](https://strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/herring-fishing-indigenous-1024x682-2.jpeg)
Nation “deeply disappointed” after DFO unilaterally announced the closure of the spawn-on-kelp herring fishery in 2022.
Exclusive Interview: The Story Behind BC’s Thriving Crab Fishing Industry
![Crab harvesters](https://strongcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/megan-eadie-crab-768x512-1.jpg)
We spoke with BC Crab Fishermen Association’s Megan Eadie about sustainability and success in commercial crabbing.
BC’s Squid
![Squid](https://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.