The waters of Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound, the areas of most interest to oil companies, are the stormiest and the most earthquake-prone region in Canada. Tremors of varying degrees occur almost daily. In August 2001, 26 tremors were recorded around Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands). Offshore oil and gas drilling is a risky business and earthquakes only increases the likelihood of spills at drilling sites.
The extreme weather conditions in Hecate Strait could increase the possibility of oil spills and accidents. The combination of shallow waters and high winds moving against tidal currents results in steep waves as high as 30 metres. Navigating a boat in these conditions is virtually impossible. Allowing offshore platforms and oil rigs in this region raises serious safety concerns.
The summer currents in Queen Charlotte Sound would cause an oil spill to travel south towards the inland waters of Queen Charlotte Strait and the Broughton Archipelago, home to rich fishing grounds and whale migration routes and several coastal communities. A winter spill would travel north towards the islands of Haida Gwaii, the ecologically and culturally unique traditional territory of the Haida people. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is found here and Ninstinsts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the oil spill model to see how spilled oil would move through our coastal waters.
