The Haida Nation, federal government and shipping industry will be launching a voluntary shipping protection zone trial for the west coast of Haida Gwaii this fall. Vessels weighing 500 tonnes or more will be asked to observe minimum distance of 50 miles from west coast. Vessels going between Pacific Northwest ports will be asked to observe a 25 nautical mile distance and cruise vessels will be asked to observe a 12 nautical mile distance. Tugs and barges will be exempt. The trial will start in September and run for a period of one year.
