Robson Bight

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Robson Bight is a small Vancouver Island bay at the west end of Johnstone Strait across from West Cracroft Island in British Columbia, Canada that includes a protected killer whale habitat famous for its whale-rubbing beaches.[1] It is adjacent to Lower Tsitika River Provincial Park. The nearest access point is Telegraph Cove on the east coast of Northern Vancouver Island; it is five hours north of Nanaimo.

Contents

[edit] Ecological Reserve

Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve was established in 1982 as a sanctuary for killer whales. The area, 10 km south east of Telegraph Cove and 40 km from Port McNeill, British Columbia, is restricted. Access by boat or land is prohibited. The total area of the reserve, including upland and foreshore, is 5,460 hectares.[2]

[edit] Naming

Robson Bight is named for Lieutenant Commander Charles Rufus Robson of the gunboat HMS Forward who died in Victoria, British Columbia on November 5, 1861 from a fall from a horse after a commendable career.[3]:426

[edit] Barge Spill

On August 20, 2007 a barge carrying vehicles and forestry equipment lost 11 pieces of equipment within the boundaries of the protected area. On April 18, 2008, the British Columbia Ministry of the Environment announced that the federal and provincial governments would be sharing the expense of salvaging the equipment.[4] The equipment lies 350 m below the surface and contains 10,000 litres of diesel fuel.[1]

Coordinates: 50°28′00″N 126°34′00″W / 50.48333333, -126.5833333

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b The Canadian Press. "Environmentalists investigate Robson Bight wreckage", CBCNEWS.CA, October 19, 2007. Retrieved on 2008-06-04. 
  2. ^ Ministry of Environment, BC Parks. Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve. Retrieved on 2008-06-05.
  3. ^ Walbran, Captain John T. (1971), British Columbia Place Names, Their Origin and History (Facsimile reprint of 1909 edition ed.), Vancouver/Toronto: Douglas & McIntyre, ISBN 0-88894-143-9 
  4. ^ British Columbia Ministry of Environment (April 18, 2008). "GOVERNMENTS PLAN TO SALVAGE ROBSON BIGHT WRECKAGE". Press release. Retrieved on 2008-06-04.

[edit] External Links

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