Akimiski Island

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Akimiski Island, Nunavut.

Closeup of Akimiski Island

Akimiski Island is the largest island in James Bay (a southeasterly extension of Hudson Bay), Canada, that is part of the Qikiqtaaluk Region of the territory of Nunavut. It has an area of 3,001 km² (1,159 square miles), making it the 164th largest island in the world, and Canada's 29th largest island.

The island is currently uninhabited. 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 eastern half of the island is the migratory bird sanctuary. 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.

Akimiski Island is home to one of the territory's Migratory Bird Sanctuaries. The coastal waters and wetlands of Akimiski Island (and James Bay in general) are important feeding grounds for many varieties of migratory birds. 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. The Akimiski Island Group includes Akimiski, Gasket, and Gullery Islands; Albert Shoal, and the Akimiski Strait Isles.