Akimiski Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary

The sanctuary spans two-thirds of Akimiski Island and extends into James Bay waters, featuring coastal marshes, mud flats, and eelgrass beds for migratory birds.

The Canadian government established this protected area in 1941 to preserve critical habitats for various waterfowl species in the James Bay region.

First Nations communities maintain traditional hunting rights within the sanctuary boundaries, following established regulations for wildlife conservation.

Visitors require permits to access the sanctuary, which provides essential feeding grounds for up to 250,000 lesser snow geese during migration seasons.

The sanctuary includes marine sections where male black scoters gather in numbers between 20,000 and 30,000 during late summer wing feather molt periods.

Location: Qikiqtaaluk Region

Inception: 1941

Website: https://www.canada.ca/fr/environnement-changement-climatique/services/refuges-oiseaux-migrateurs/ensemble/ile-akimiski.html, https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/migratory-bird-sanctuaries/locations/akimiski-island.html

Website: https://canada.ca/fr/environnement-changement-climatique/services/refuges-oiseaux-migrateurs/ensemble/ile-akimiski.html

GPS coordinates: 52.95890,-81.10940

Latest update: March 11, 2025 07:06