Photo: Google Maps

British Columbia First Nations and the provincial government have signed a marine-use plan covering a large section of the coast, including Haida Gwaii, northern Vancouver Island and the North and Central coasts.

The Marine Planning Partnership deal between the government and 18 First Nations includes plans to guide marine uses and protect ocean health.

The two sides have been working on a joint coastal management agreement for several years.

B.C.'s northern coastal waters are home to many First Nations who use the ocean as a major food and economic source.

Those same areas are facing major development and possible environmental issues, with proposed liquefied natural gas export plants and plans for supertankers carrying oil-based products along the coast.

The marine plan is expected to cover more than 100,000 kilometres of coastline.