
The Haida Gwaii Marine Stewardship Group
The Haida Gwaii Marine Stewardship Group (HG MSG), formally known as the Haida Gwaii Abalone Stewards, are community and conservation organizations, individuals and government agencies striving to ensure the survival of northern abalone and other marine species at risk around Haida Gwaii.
The
Haida Gwaii Marine Stewardship Group is represented by this northern
abalone design by Old Massett artist Frank Williams. The design
symbolizes the inseparable connection between abalone and people.
Abalone is an important traditional food of the Haida and is considered
a delicacy in global markets today. The northern abalone is currently listed as endangered.
The face inside the shell represents the human
form with no distinction between race nor sex. The human lips touch the
apex of the spire, a kiss that acknowledges the ancient origin of the
animal and its importance as a food source for many creatures,
including people. The nurturing kiss also speaks to the responsibility
of people to ensure the well-being of abalone – abalone
stewardship. Surrounding the abalone are small black dots that
represent the broadcast release of either eggs or sperm. When an egg
and sperm unite in sea water, they develop into abalone larvae,
beginning the next generation in the cycle of life.
The Haida Gwaii Marine Stewardship Group is composed of:
Thanks to the Habitat Stewardship Program for
Species at Risk – a program managed cooperatively by
Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada
– for funding work of the Haida Gwaii Marine Stewardship Group.
The Haida Gwaii Marine Stewardship Group is part of a team of organizations and people who make up the Abalone Regional Implementation Group (AbRIG). This group was formed to oversee the implementation of the Abalone Recovery Strategy/Action Plan.
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Abalone Regional Implementation Group
Abalone Recovery Implementation Group 2009/2010 Members
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Contact us
- Massett
Haida Fisheries office
PO Box 87
- Massett, BC V0T 1M0
- Phone • (250)
626-3302
Fax • (250) 626-3309
- Skidegate
Haida Fisheries office
PO Box 98
- Queen Charlotte, BC V0T
1S0
-
- Phone • (250)
559-8945
Fax • (250) 559-8951
If you hear anything about abalone poaching or see
suspicious activities, record your observation and report to the
confidential Abalone Coast Watch
hotline at 1.800.465.4336.
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Abalone Underwater Video
Haida Fisheries Program divers filmed some of
their abalone research work and abalone in their natural habitat around
Haida Gwaii. Funding from the Habitat Stewardship Program facilitated
the creation of this abalone stewardship educational video. This video is being used in our school education program and in public outreach activities and is available to view and download on the Council of the Haida Nation website.
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