Restoring Harmony in Haida Gwaii

Once thriving kelp forests in Haida Gwaii have turned into urchin barrens due to the historic extirpation of sea otters, which controlled urchin populations. Restoration efforts led by Haida Fisheries, Parks Canada, and researchers include experimental urchin culling to mimic otters’ ecological role, fostering kelp regrowth and habitat recovery for species like abalone. While sea otter recovery holds promise for ecosystem balance, it also raises concerns for local fisheries competing for shared resources. Achieving sustainable biodiversity and cultural preservation will require integrating traditional Haida knowledge with modern conservation science, emphasizing a managed coexistence of humans, otters, and the environment.