Risks to West Coast Vancouver Island fisheries from a mega-earthquake at the Cascadia subduction zone

Changes to British Columbia's marine environment due to catastrophic events such as earthquakes is a threat not yet adequately addressed by fisheries scientists. The Cascadia subduction zone, located offshore from Vancouver Island, has been quiescent for the past 300 years. With a large rupture recurrence interval of 200--600 years, there is substantial risk of a mega-earthquake (Mw > 9) in the near future. The goal of this study is to increase the awareness of the potential impacts of a mega-earthquake on western Vancouver Island fishing industries and to aid in post-earthquake management.; I surveyed the perception of mega-earthquake risks among fisherman, aquaculturists, fisheries managers and fisheries biologists on WCVI. Questionnaire returns were poor, indicating a low level of concern. Most respondents underestimated the magnitude and consequences of a mega-earthquake with respect to the marine resources. However, recommendations for post-earthquake management of fisheries along WCVI can be made based upon an assessment of the vulnerability of the habits and habitats of the commercial species. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...