The David Suzuki Foundation has launched a new campaign through their marine and freshwater conservation team called “I am Fish”.  This campaign is totally up my ally as it involves educating the public about the ancient connection between humans and our oceans and why we must do what we can to protect these vital ecosystems. (see video below)

As we live on land, it is easy to forget that over 70% of the Earth’s surface is in fact occupied by our vast oceans, providing the planet with over 50% of our oxygen.  I tend to stress this statistic a lot because I find it often goes unheard.  Without healthy oceans our planet’s oxygen supply will be greatly diminished.

As Canadian’s we are blessed to have the diverse marine ecosystems that we have and it is up to us to protect them.  The “I am Fish” campaign is featuring one of those spectacular ecosystems which is located here in British Columbia.  It was named PNCIMA (Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area) in 2002 and is one of the relatively healthy marine ecosystems left today.

PNCIMA (pronounced pen-SEEM-a) is located on the west coast of Canada from northern Vancouver Island to the southeast coast of Alaska.  This 88,000 square kilometer incredible span of ocean life includes the infamous Queen Charlotte Basin, Hecate Strait, Central B.C. Coast and North Vancouver Island and is very similar to the size of the Great Bear Rainforest.

This area is home to hundred’s of seabirds, the planet’s largest animals, beautiful beaches and microscopic creatures.  This ecosystem is vital to the survival of many marine species and land animals!  It is also home to a 9,000 year old reef made of glass!  This particularly unique reef is now 1,000 square kilometers wide and over five storey’s tall!  However PNCIMA is also home to over 25 communities that depend on the health and wellbeing of this area that is currently being threatened by over-fishing, poor fishing practices, pollution,  growing traffic and industrial pressure.

That is why TODAY we must act and support marine ecosystems such as PNCIMA to ensure that they are protected.

In 2002 the Canadian Government recognized a need for an integrated management program for not only British Columbia’s coast line, but for 5 unique and vulnerable ocean regions around our nation.  According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “These areas are being prioritized to undergo a planning process that would aim to improve management, develop conservation strategies and ensure long-term ecosystem health.”

Although the majority of British Columbian’s alone would like to see more than 50% of these unique ecosystems protected, only 1% actually are!  A terrible reality really.  So today the citizens of Canada have a huge opportunity to actually have a say about this matter and make a difference.

Currently we are ahead of the game, PNCIMA is still relatively healthy, but for how long.  Can we afford to wait?

To make a difference, please visit www.healthyoceans.ca and sign their already prepared letter to Canada’s Minister of Fisheries to ensure that our Government makes ocean conservation a priority.

This is important…it is our future.