Despite progress in the negotiations on land use in the Great Bear Rainforest, industrial logging is still the single largest threat to this ecosystem. However, environmental policy roll backs encouraging the spread of fish farms and an increased potential for offshore oil and gas development would affect the fragile connection between land and sea in this coastal environment. The current Liberal government’s desires to increase mining investment and allow the trophy hunt of grizzly bears to continue (despite having no accurate idea how many bears call this rainforest home) add to the gauntlet of issues that must truly be resolved before the Great Bear Rainforest is saved.

Threats to the Great Bear Rainforest

Industrial logging
Industrial logging, in particular clearcutting, is a major threat to the Great Bear.

Fish Farms
Open cage fish farms pose a serious threat to the Great Bear ecosystem.

Environmental Policy Roll-Backs
Changes to environmental policies pose a threat to the Great Bear.

Offshore Oil and Gas Development
Offshore oil and gas development threatens coastal areas throughout British Columbia.

Mining
No significant mineral deposits have been found in the Great Bear, but mining activity remains a threat.

'Sport' Hunting
Hunting for 'sport' threatens many of the Great Bear's most majestic animals.