Akimiski Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary

The Akimiski Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a migratory bird sanctuary in Qikiqtaaluk, Nunavut, Canada. It is located on Akimiski Island within James Bay. The sanctuary, established by the Canadian government on 1 January 1941, has federal conservation status.[1] Taking up the eastern two-thirds of the island, it is 3,367 km2 (1,300 sq mi) in overall size, including a 1,664 km2 (642 sq mi) marine area. It includes marine, intertidal, and subtidal components,[2] and is rated Category Ib by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.[3]

Akimiski Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Landsat image of Akimiski Island
LocationJames Bay, Qikiqtaaluk, Nunavut, Canada
Coordinates52°57′32″N 81°06′34″W
Area3,367 km2 (1,300 sq mi)
Established1941
Governing bodyCanadian Wildlife Service

The coastal waters and wetlands are important feeding grounds for several varieties of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. These include Atlantic brant, Canada goose, Caspian tern, Hudsonian godwit, lesser snow goose, red knot, and semipalmated plover.[4]

Among mammalians, ringed seals, polar bears, and beluga whales can be found in the area.[5]

Other designations

In addition to the migratory bird sanctuary designation, this area is an Important Bird Area, site #NU036. Most of the coastline has been designated as a key terrestrial habitat for migratory birds by the Canadian Wildlife Service.[1]

References
  1. "Akimiski Island James Bay, Nunavut". bsc-eoc.org. Archived from the original on 2011-06-12. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  2. "Area Name: Akimiski Island". mpaglobal.org. Archived from the original on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
  3. "Akimiski Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary". canada.ca. Government of Canada. Archived from the original on 5 January 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  4. "Protected Areas and Sensitive Habitats" (PDF). dfo-mpo.gc.ca. p. 11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-06-29. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
  5. "Akimiski Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary". Archived from the original on 2017-09-18. Retrieved 2016-10-26.


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