The Ecosystem

The unique features of the B.C. offshore ecosystem combine to make it a high-risk location for an offshore oil and gas industry. Some features include:

• The B.C. coast is one of the most biologically productive marine areas in the world
• The coast is subject to high energy waves; extreme wave conditions can suddenly arise, while surface currents are very complex
• The coast experiences the highest frequency of hurricane force winds in Canada
• Earthquakes are common – the region is one of the most active seismic areas in the country (magnitude 8.1 earthquake)
• Hundreds of fish species live in these waters. The fishery resources (e.g. salmon and shellfish) are harvested in commercial, First Nations and recreational fisheries
• Nearshore and offshore areas support large numbers of marine seabirds; major seabird colonies exist along much of the coast
• The B.C. coast supports globally unique sponge marine communities
• Thirty species of marine mammas live in B.C.’s coastal and offshore waters