Lagune du Havre aux Basques et plage de l'Ouest (11397)
Canada, North America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2022
National site name: Lagune du Havre aux Basques et plage de l'Ouest
Central coordinates: Latitude: 47.2900, Longitude: -61.9500
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 76
Area of KBA (km2): 34.74394
Protected area coverage (%): 7.97
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Havre aux Basques lagoon is located between the islands of Cap aux Meules and Havre-Aubert in the Magdalen Islands archipelago. These two islands, nearly 11km apart, are interconnected by two nearly parallel sand dunes. The southern section of the Havre aux Basques lagoon is characterized by open water, while the northern section is comprised of a network of canals surrounding sandy inlets, and salt meadow-marsh prairies. In 1956, the construction of a provincial road along the east side of the lagoon resulted in the closure of two of the three openings from the lagoon to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Since the closure of these openings, there has been a noticeable increase in sand deposition and a reduction in the average tide level within the lagoon. The sand dune and associated beach along the west side of the lagoon is generally referred to as Plage de l'Ouest. Plages de la Martinique et de Havre-Aubert, on the east side have been identified as a separate KBA.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: Lagune du Havre aux Basques et plage de l'Ouest 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 aggregating bird species (Short-billed Dowitcher). In addition to global significant bird species, this site also supports nationally significant populations of two canadian threatened bird species (Hudsonian Godwit and Piping Plover) and two aggregating bird species (Black-headed Gull and Whimbrel).
Manageability of the site: Lagune du Havre aux Basques et plage de l'Ouest intersects or contains three protected areas consisting of Pluvier Sif. Ps - 011 Dune De L'Ouest Habitat Of A Threatened Or Vulnerable Wildlife Species, Pluvier Sif. Ps - 012 Goulet Havre - Basques Habitat O
Delineation rationale: The Havre aux Basques lagoon KBA encompasses the lagoon and surrounding sand dunes to the west. The southern section of the Havre aux Basques lagoon is characterized by open water, while the northern section is comprised of a network of canals surrounding sandy inlets, and salt meadow-marsh prairies.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 22 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 28 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing | |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Problematic native species/diseases | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Industrial & military effluents | Ongoing |