Endeavour Hydrothermal Vent Marine Protected Area

About the MPA

The Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents (EHV) were designated as the first Marine Protected Area under Canada’s Oceans Act in 2003. The designation of the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents as a MPA provides for the long-term protection of this biologically diverse and productive ecosystem.

The Endeavour area of the Juan de Fuca Ridge is a seismically active area of seafloor formation and hydrothermal venting. The Endeavour Hydrothermal Vent area is located 250 km offshore from Vancouver Island, 2250 m below the ocean’s surface. The area has been a popular research site for more than 20 years. Scientists come to study unique biota, venting processes and chemistry, as well as seismic and magmatic activity. An organism from this site holds the current record for the upper temperature limit to life: 121°C. Researchers strive to uncover secrets of the formation of Earth’s tectonic plates and chemosynthetic food webs. They also seek a potential glimpse of the origins of life on our planet, and perhaps its origins on others.

• Regulations

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Conservation Objective

The conservation objective of the MPA is to ensure that human activities contribute to the conservation, protection and understanding of the natural diversity, productivity and dynamism of the ecosystem and are managed appropriately such that the impacts remain less significant than natural perturbations (e.g. magmatic, volcanic or seismic).

While the MPA designation conserves the structures, species and habitats of the EHV, it also provides for research for the conservation, protection and understanding of the area.

	Left: Tubes close-up
	Left: Fish in Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents MPA

MPA Management

In managing the Endeavour MPA, DFO coordinates human activities to ensure responsible procedures are followed (e.g. sampling, instrument deployment and retrieval, data sharing, appropriate debris disposal). The MPA management contributes to public awareness of the values of marine ecosystems and the need to protect them.

• Endeavour MPA Management Plan [PDF]

A Technical Advisory Committee was established in 2003 to provide advice and recommendations to Fisheries and Oceans Canada towards the conservation, management, and communications of the MPA, facilitating ongoing direct involvement of the core interests in the MPA.

 
Photos: Dr. Verena Tunnicliffe, University of Victoria

For more information contact

Glen Rasmussen
1965 Island Diesel Way
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5W8

Phone: 250-754-0358
Fax: 250-754-0134
Email: Glen.Rasmussen@dfo-mpo.gc.ca