The Great Bear Sea Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network Initiative, a collaborative partnership between 17 First Nations, the Province of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada, is working to establish a vast network of marine protected areas extending from Campbell River up to Haida Gwaii and Alaska. Over the last two years, we’ve provided virtual graphic recording for their Upwelling Knowledge Exchange symposiums, capturing complex scientific and community dialogues aimed at protecting coastal waters.
In 2025, graphic recorder Erica Bota mapped out discussions on the intersections of climate change and MPAs, grounding the technical presentations in themes of Two-Eyed Seeing, community stewardship, and coastal connection. Returning in 2026, Brittany graphic recorded the “Indicators to Action” symposium, capturing global and local research, from the Great Barrier Reef and California to Oregon and Atlantic Canada, on how to measure ecological health and human dimensions in marine networks.
The final graphics serve as a visual archive for the partnership to build ongoing alignment, share insights across jurisdictions, and communicate their work on their website and with project partners.