Grand Manan Archipelago (11174)
Canada, North America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1d, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2022
National site name: Grand Manan Archipelago
Central coordinates: Latitude: 44.6800, Longitude: -66.7500
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 130
Area of KBA (km2): 1000.75876
Protected area coverage (%): 0.59
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Grand Manan Island is a large, often foggy, island situated on the western side of the mouth of the Bay of Fundy. The site encompasses: a ten kilometre band of open water around the island, Old Proprietor Shoals, all the smaller islands in the archipelago, and a one kilometre strip of coastal land along Grand Manan Island. The 10 km strip may be more than is necessary to encompass important bird use, especially on the west side, but has been used here due to insufficient knowledge of pelagic bird use. Old Proprietor Shoals are found off the southeastern side of the archipelago, as are other relatively shallow waters. The northern and western sides of the island are bordered by high cliffs, while the eastern shores are composed of boulders, cobbles and a few sand beaches. Many of the smaller islands in the archipelago are rocky, but Grand Manan Island itself is a diverse mix of wetland and forested habitats.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: Grand Manan Archipelago was initially identified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. Recent analysis shows that this site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of global significance for one threatened bird species (Leach's Storm-Petrel) and one aggregating bird species (Razorbill). In addition to global significant bird species, this site also supports a nationally significant population of one aggregating bird species (Purple Sandpiper).
Manageability of the site: Grand Manan Archipelago intersects or contains four protected areas consisting of North and South Green Islands, Western Green Island, and High Duck Island managed by Department of Natural Resources, Government of New Brunswick; and Grand Manan Bird Sanct
Delineation rationale: Grand Manan Island KBA encompasses a ten kilometre band of open water around the island, Old Proprietor Shoals, all the smaller islands in the archipelago, and a one kilometre strip of coastal land along Grand Manan Island. The 10 km strip may be more than is necessary to encompass important bird use, especially on the west side, but has been used here due to insufficient knowledge of pelagic bird use.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Intertidal | 8 | |
| Forest | 10 | |
| Shrubland | 2 | |
| Marine Neritic | 25 | |
| Grassland | 1 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 5 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources | Ongoing | |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | War, civil unrest & military exercises | Ongoing | |
| Other options | Other threat | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Industrial & military effluents | Ongoing |