Central Coast Marine Plan
The Central Coast Marine Plan was developed jointly by the Heitsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’Xais, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv Nations (through the Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance {CCIRA}) and the Province of BC – with input from communities, stakeholders, local governments and the public.
The Central Coast
The Central Coast Plan area is a place of remarkable cultural heritage, dramatic coastal vistas, unique wildlife and rich ecological diversity.
It includes the traditional marine territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’Xais, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv people.
Central Coast First Nations have carefully managed their marine resources for generations. These, in turn, provide employment, recreation and spiritual benefits to diverse Central Coast cultures.
Abundant salmon, herring and eulachan populations once supported a thriving trade between coastal and inland First Nations. Today a commercial fishing industry depends on:
- Pacific halibut
- Herring
- Roe on kelp
- Sablefish
- Dungeness crab and geoduck clams
- Sea cucumber and prawns
Ocean Threats and Opportunities
The marine environment of the Central Coast faces a range of threats and opportunities, including:
- Climate change
- Ocean acidification
- Regional economic diversification
- Protection of cultural and archaeological resources
