Bowie Seamount Protected

The federal government has designated Canada's seventh Marine Protected Area -- and it's located west of Haida Gwaii.

Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn describes the Bowie Seamount as "an oceanic oasis in the deep sea, a rare and ecologically rich marine area."

Today's announcement follows a ceremony Saturday at Skidegate involving the Haida Nation.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will work with the Haida, community groups and an advisory team, including the province, to manage the Bowie Seamount.

The undersea mountain is located 180 kilometres west of the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Haida Nation President Guujaaw says the designation represents a turning point in reversing the trends that have been leading to the depletion of life in the sea.