The Scott Islands
Just off the northwest tip of Vancouver Island, a chain of five unique islands jut dramatically from the depths of the North Pacific Ocean. These islands, Triangle (Anne Vallee), Sartine, Baresford, Lanz and Cox are collectively known as the Scott Islands. As any local mariner will attest, this archipelago endures some of the most treacherous weather on the B.C. coast, ceaselessly battered by storms during long winters. Between March and September however, these same islands are home to a spectacular diversity of wildlife, including significant colonies of sea lions and seabirds.
At times, over two million seabirds live on the Scott Islands, making the islands a nationally and internationally Important Bird Area. More than half of the world's population of Cassin's auklet nest on the islands, as well as significant numbers of rhinoceros auklets and the charismatic tufted puffins. In turn, these seabirds are preyed upon by several pairs of Peregrine falcons and bald eagles that also call these islands home.
Although the land portion of the Scott Islands were protected through the establishment of a Provincial Park and several Ecological Reserves, the waters around the islands remain at risk. The Canadian Wildlife Service is working with local First Nations to establish a marine National Wildlife Area that would protect these critical feeding areas, in consultation with First Nations, conservation groups, local and provincial government, and the marine industries in the area.
Source:
Krista Amey, Michael Dunn, Ken Morgan and Jason Komaromi. (2004) Seasonal use of the Scott Island marine area by breeding and non-breeding seabirds, 1981-2001. CWS Technical Report Series No. 389.
