Kasakeemeemisekak Islands (MB082)
Gull Harbour, Manitoba
Site Description
Kasakeemeemisekak Islands is an extension of the Canadian Shield, consisting of sprawling granite outcrops to the west of Deer Island and along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg between Hollow Water First Nation and Loon Straits. The islands are part of a little used kayak route from Gull Harbour on Hecla Island. The water level around the islands can change greatly due to the wind tides that occur on Lake Winnipeg. Since water levels fluctuate greatly from year to year, the size and shape of the islands often change. During high water years some islands may completely disappear.
Birds
Kasakeemeemisekak Islands are primarily known for their abundant colonial waterbirds, especially American White Pelicans. In 1979, an estimated 3,000 pelicans were recorded. A repeat survey in 1986 estimated that 4,514 individuals were present on these islands, approximately 2.5% of the global breeding population of this species. A third survey of the islands in 2012 counted 932 nests and 1,109 adult birds.
Other species of water birds using these islands include Double-crested Cormorant, Common Tern, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull and Canada Goose.
Conservation Issues
Kasakeemeemisekak Islands IBA is part of the Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park. Colonial waterbirds nesting in Lake Winnipeg face several problems. Some residents whose livelihood depends on fishing feel that the birds, especially cormorants, are eating too many fish. As a result, birds are sometimes shot, or nests are destroyed.
As with other Lake Winnipeg IBAs, artificial regulation of water levels may alter breeding and foraging habitat. Although currently not considered an issue, any large increase in recreation activity around these islands is likely to cause disturbance events which may have negative impact on overall breeding success of these species.
Quarry and mining operations occur along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg. It is currently not known whether these operations are having an impact on bird populations.
IBA Criteria Habitats Land Uses Potential or Ongoing Threats Conservation Status
