Big Eddy

Who is Big Eddy?


The Juan de Fuca Eddy ecosystem, affectionately known as "Big Eddy" is the area off the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada and the northwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, USA.

An opportunity for international cooperation

The Big Eddy region provides an exemplary opportunity for international cooperation and management. For conservation purposes, it is important to consider marine ecosystems in their entirety, regardless of political boundaries. Water, species and impacts flow freely across the border and effective stewardship of any region requires a holistic approach to the ecosystem as a whole.

The US side of the Big Eddy region is protected in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary which is managed to protect its natural resources while encouraging compatible commercial and recreational uses. On the Canadian side, protection is limited to the narrow marine component of Pacific Rim National Park. Coordinated international management might include an international peace park which could be formed by matching the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary with similar protection in Canadian waters. It would be a symbol of common conservation goals, friendship and peace between the U.S. and Canada.

SYMPOSIUM ON THE USE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE BIG EDDY
Tofino, British Columbia
October 11-13, 2006

The second Big Eddy symposium brought together Canadian and US managers, stakeholders, and decision-makers of marine uses including fishing (recreational and commercial), research, oil spill response, recreation and tourism.

The approximately 100 participants, with diverse backgrounds, interests and responsibilities in the Big Eddy region, were united by one common interest: the long-term health and sustainable use of the Big Eddy marine ecosystem.

Participants confirmed that international cooperation in research, education and management of Big Eddy is both needed and desired, demonstrating strong support for all of the various levels of government to come together to better manage Big Eddy.

Goals of the symposium were to:

  • gain an understanding of the current and historical use and management of the Big Eddy ecosystem;
  • share information about projects and initiatives in the area;
  • share information and perspectives about transboundary marine issues in the area;
  • build broad support and momentum for international cooperation.

BIG EDDY SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM
May 2004

The first significant step for this project was a scientific symposium that brought together the prominent scientists working in the Big Eddy region.

In a two-day symposium in Sidney, British Columbia, we:

  • exchanged and shared scientific information with a focus on the interconnections and linkages between ecosystem components (cross-border and cross-sector information sharing)
  • raised scientific awareness of the values of this region;
  • enhanced the linkages between current scientific inquiry and ecosystem management;
  • raised awareness of the First Nations/Tribal traditional values of this region; and
  • fostered international cooperation.