Akimiski Island (11292)
Canada, North America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2022
National site name: Akimiski Island
Central coordinates: Latitude: 53.1700, Longitude: -81.3300
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 5
Area of KBA (km2): 3226.68886
Protected area coverage (%): 80.60
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Akimiski Island is situated just east of the mouth of the Attawapiskat River, in mid-western James Bay. The KBA focuses on the northern shores, which are flat and marshy with beach ridges, and the interior of the island, which features numerous small lakes and ponds, as well as sedge marshlands, and fens. Also part of this site is the eastern half of the south coast, including the eel grass beds at Cape Duncan in the southeastern corner. The vegetation communities present on the island have similarities to both northern Hudson Bay associations and to southern associations. In addition to its importance for birds, the southern region of Akimiski Island is a maternity denning area and the coasts are a summer retreat for polar bears. The mean annual temperature is approximately 2.5°C and the average rainfall and snowfall are 450 and 250 mm respectively.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: Akimiski Island 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 three aggregating bird species (Brant, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Snow Goose). In addition to global significant bird species, this site also supports nationally significant populations of one canadian threatened bird species (Hudsonian Godwit).
Manageability of the site: Akimiski Island intersects or contains one protected areas consisting of Akimiski Island Bird Sanctuary managed by Canadian Wildlife Service.
Delineation rationale: Akimiski Island KBA focuses on the northern shores, which are flat and marshy with beach ridges, and the interior of the island, which features numerous small lakes and ponds, as well as sedge marshlands, and fens. Also part of this site is the eastern half of the south coast, including the eel grass beds at Cape Duncan in the southeastern corner.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 14 | |
| Marine Neritic | 14 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 14 | |
| Shrubland | 7 |
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 |