Akimiski Island

Akimiski Island

Closeup of Akimiski Island
Akimiski Island

Location in Nunavut

Geography
Location Northern Canada
Coordinates 53°00′N 081°20′W / 53.000°N 81.333°W / 53.000; -81.333Coordinates: 53°00′N 081°20′W / 53.000°N 81.333°W / 53.000; -81.333
Archipelago Canadian Arctic Archipelago
Area 3,001 km2 (1,159 sq mi)
Highest elevation 34 m (112 ft)
Administration
Territory Nunavut
Region Qikiqtaaluk
Demographics
Population Uninhabited

Akimiski Island is the largest island in James Bay (a southeasterly extension of Hudson Bay), Canada, which is part of the Qikiqtaaluk Region of the territory of Nunavut. It has an area of 3,001 km2 (1,159 sq mi), making it the 163rd largest island in the world, and Canada's 29th largest island. Akimiski Island is only 19 km (12 mi) from the province of Ontario. From the western side of the island, one can see the Ontario coastline.

The island's name is Cree "land across the water".[1]

The island has no year-round human inhabitants; however, it is part of the Attawapiskat First Nation's traditional territory and is frequently used for traditional purposes. The surface of Akimiski is flat and slopes gradually to the north. Most of the vegetation that covers the island consists of lichen, moss, sedges, and dwarf black spruce. The island is a coastal wetland that includes mudflats, tidal marshes, and tidal mudflats. Freshwater streams that flow into southwestern James Bay carry sediments and abundant nutrients that help to sustain the productive waterfowl habitat around Akimiski Island.

Landsat image of Akimiski Island

The Akimiski Island Group includes Akimiski, Gasket, and Gullery Islands; Albert Shoal; and Akimiski Strait Isles.

Climate

Photo of western coast, viewed from north towards south, in mid-July

Conservation

Akimiski Island is a Canadian Important Bird Area, site #NU036 (53°10′12″N 081°19′48″W / 53.17000°N 81.33000°W / 53.17000; -81.33000 (Bird area site #NU036 (Akimiski Island))). Its eastern portion is also a federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary, and much of the coastline is a Key Migratory Bird Terrestrial Habitat site.[2]

Fauna

The coastal waters and wetlands of Akimiski Island (and James Bay in general) are important feeding grounds for many varieties of migratory birds.[3] Notable species include:[2]

James Bay and Hudson Bay are funnel-shaped and consequently cause migrating birds from the Arctic to concentrate in this area. During fall migration, there is an abundance of birds when adults and young are present. In the springtime, the birds tend to reside in the southern areas of James Bay until the northern section thaws.

References

Further reading

  • Blaney, C S, and P M Kotanen. 2001. "Articles - The Vascular Flora of Akimiski Island, Nunavut Territory, Canada". The Canadian Field-Naturalist. 115, no. 1: 88.
  • Hill, Michael Robert John. Factors Influencing Pre- and Post-Fledging Growth and Survival of Canada Goose Goslings on Akimiski Island, Nunavut. Ottawa: National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2000. ISBN 0-612-42527-4
  • Martini, I. P. Sedimentary Geology of Akimiski Island, Canada. Sedimentary Geology, v. 37, no. 4. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 1984.

External links

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