Pacific Maritime Ecozone (CEC)

The Pacific Maritime Ecozone, as defined by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), is one of the terrestrial ecozones of North America. It encompasses a narrow band along the west coast of British Columbia and southeastern Alaska. It is characterized by its moist, temperate climate, heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean.

The ecozone is dominated by coastal temperate rainforest, featuring towering coniferous trees such as Sitka spruce, western hemlock, western red cedar, and Douglas-fir. Understory vegetation is lush and diverse, including ferns, mosses, and shrubs.

Key ecological features include high biodiversity, old-growth forests, abundant salmon runs in coastal rivers and streams, and a diverse range of marine and terrestrial wildlife. Wildlife includes species such as black bears, grizzly bears, wolves, Sitka deer, bald eagles, and various marine mammals like sea otters, seals, and whales.

The Pacific Maritime Ecozone is also characterized by significant human activity, including forestry, fishing, tourism, and coastal communities. These activities can have considerable impacts on the environment, including habitat loss, pollution, and resource depletion. Conservation efforts focus on sustainable resource management, protected areas, and mitigating the impacts of human activities.

The CEC uses this ecozone classification for environmental monitoring, reporting, and cooperative projects among Canada, the United States, and Mexico related to the environment. The CEC's focus includes assessing the environmental impacts of trade and economic activities within and across these ecozones, as well as promoting environmental protection and sustainable development.