VICTORIA — Scientists say the discovery of glass sponge reefs once believed to be extinct in northern British Columbia's Hecate Strait is like finding a herd of dinosaurs roaming on land.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has moved today to protect the undersea treasures, but a conservation group that has been seeking their protection for more than 15 years says the change doesn't go far enough.
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society director Sabine Jessen says permitting bottom trawlers and other fishing activities near the prehistoric reefs threatens the existence of the sponges.
She says some of the reefs are as tall as eight-storey buildings but they can crumble like dried meringue if touched and fishing activities stir sea floor sediment that chokes the sponges.
The fisheries department proposing draft marine protected area regulations for the area where the glass sponge reefs are located but it will still allow fishing while scientists study the potential harms caused.
Jessen says Canadians have the next 30 days to let DFO know the reefs need full protection to ensure their survival.
