Akimiski Island

Akimiski Island[1] 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.

Akimiski Island
Closeup of Akimiski Island
Akimiski Island
Location in Canada
Geography
LocationNunavut
Coordinates53°00′30″N 081°16′30″W
ArchipelagoArctic Archipelago
Area3,001 km2 (1,159 sq mi)
Highest elevation34 m (112 ft)
Administration
Canada
TerritoryNunavut
RegionQikiqtaaluk
Demographics
PopulationUninhabited

The island's name is Swampy Cree[1] for "land across the water".[2]

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.

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

Climate
Landsat image of Akimiski Island
Photo of western coast, viewed from north towards south, in mid-July
  • Mean annual temperature: 2.5 °C (36.5 °F)
  • Average rainfall: 450 mm (17.72 in)
  • Average snowfall: 25 cm (9.84 in)[3]

Conservation
Main article: Akimiski Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Akimiski Island is home to the Akimiski Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, a Canadian Important Bird Area, site #NU036 (53°10′12″N 081°19′48″W). Its eastern portion is also a federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary, and much of the coastline is a Key Migratory Bird Terrestrial Habitat site.[3]

Fauna

The coastal waters and wetlands of Akimiski Island (and James Bay in general) are important feeding grounds for many varieties of migratory birds.[4] Notable species include:[3]

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.

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

References
  1. "Akimiski Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada. Retrieved 2020-06-15.
  2. Akimiski Island, Nunavut, Canada: An Island in Dispute
  3. "Akimiski Island James Bay, Nunavut". bsc-eoc.org. Archived from the original on 2011-06-12. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  4. Reiter, Matthew E. (February 2006). "Sympatric nesting eastern prairie population Canada Geese and Lesser Snow Geese" (PDF). umn.edu. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
  5. Canada, Environment and Climate Change. "Akimiski Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary - Canada.ca". www.ec.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 2017-09-18. Retrieved 9 April 2018.

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.
  • NASA Photo : "STS085-713-070 Akimiski Island, Northwest Territory, Canada August 1997 Akimiski Island, a 2000-square-mile (5180 square kilometers) uninhabited island, is the largest island in James Bay (a southeasterly extension of Hudson Bay)."
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