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| Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve | |
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| Location | Clayoquot Sound,British Columbia,Canada |
| Nearest city | Tofino |
| Coordinates | 49°18′N125°56′W / 49.300°N 125.933°W /49.300; -125.933 |
| Area | 349,947 ha (1,351.15 sq mi) |
| Established | 2000 |
| Administrator | Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Society |
| World Heritage site | UNESCO Clayoquot Sound |
Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve is aUNESCO Biosphere Reserve situated inClayoquot Sound on the west coast ofVancouver Island inBritish Columbia,Canada. A diverse range of ecosystems exist within the biosphere reserve boundaries, including temperate coastal rainforest, ocean and rocky coastal shores.[1]
Nine of the large forested valleys remain untouched bylogging or other industrial development. The area'stemperate rainforest,lakes,rivers and alpine peaks provide habitats for a vast array of species, a significant number of which are endangered or rare. Given that development is increasingly resulting in the fragmentation of forest and alpine ecosystems andloss of biodiversity in coastal rainforests, this biosphere reserve provides a refuge and centre for the natural dispersion and re-establishment of species.[1]
The primary habitat of the Clayoquot Biosphere is temperate rainforest (Coastal Western Hemlock), covering 85% of the terrestrial component and extending to altitudes of about 900 m. The habitat is dominated by large trees including theWestern Hemlock,Western Red Cedar,Amabilis Fir, Western Yellow Cedar,Sitka Spruce, Pine,Douglas Fir, Yew andRed Alder. There are approximately 300vertebrate species, including theAmerican black bear (Ursus americanus),cougar (Puma concolor couguar),American mink (Neovison vison) andgrey wolf (Canis lupus).[1]
The second common habitat covering 12% of the Clayoquot Sound above 900 m is temperate rainforest (Mountain Hemlock). Dominant trees include theMountain Hemlock, Western Yellow Cedar andAmabilis Fir. Fewer species are found at such a high altitude, but include some those of those found at lower altitudes.[1]
The marine component of the Clayoquot supports mud flats, beaches and estuaries. The reserve contains the largest cover ofeelgrass on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Cetaceans such ashumpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae),gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus),orcas (Orcinus orca), and a variety of other whale, dolphin and porpoise species are common. Steller's (Eumetopias jubatus) andCalifornia sea lions (Zalophus californianus) are also found in the reserve. Commercial aquaculture of native salmon species and introduced Atlantic salmon, oysters and scallops constitute significant economic activities.[1]
The permanent population amounts to about 5,000 people. At least one-third areNuu-chah-nulth First Nations (of Aboriginal ancestry), whose traditional territories encompass the entire biosphere reserve. Since 2000, the local economy has shifted from being based on industrial forestry and fisheries towards a more ecologically sensitive approach informed by Nuu-chah-nulth cultural principles. The First Nations and provincial government are working together to develop small-scale alternatives built around a conservation economy.Aquaculture is well established.[1]
Because of the nature of the resources,tourism and related services have been encouraged. They are developing rapidly along the coast, both in and between two towns accessible from the only road into the biosphere reserve. Seasonal visitors amount to about 1 million annually.[1]
Protected areas located within the biosphere reserve include:
