Sandy Bay Marshes (MB093)

Sandy Bay Marshes (MB093)

Amaranth, Manitoba

Description du site

The Sandy Bay marshes are located along the west shore of Lake Manitoba, and extend from east of the town of Amaranth southward for almost 25 km to Big Point and includes part of the Sandy Bay First Nation Reserve. The marshes are within three distinct basins that are relatively well protected from the strong winds of the south basin of Lake Manitoba by barrier beaches. There are channels of water that connect the sheltered marshes to the main body of the lake.

Oiseaux

This location has a long history of utilization by Western Grebes. In 1979, 300 adults were surveyed in breeding season, although this may be a partial survey. In 1986, 500 to 1,000 nests of this species were recorded. In 1998, large congregations of 1,000 to 1,500 adults were observed in June and July. Many of these birds subsequently had young. A further 723 Western Grebes were counted from Big Point, Hollywood Beach and in a single accessible channel in April 2017. A detailed study of the nesting grebes in this area has never been made.

The surrounding wetlands and beaches of the IBA remain relatively underexplored, although there is one notable record of 500 Black-bellied Plovers counted during spring 2016. The nationally endangered Piping Plover historically bred at Hollywood Beach.

Enjeux de conservation

The Sandy Bay site is mainly used for fishing and hunting. Both of these activities could cause disturbance to the Western Grebes during breeding season, and over-fishing could potentially cause a decrease in productivity within the colony. Artificial lake level regulation is of concern at this site as is the direct loss of marsh habitat through development.

Disturbance along the beaches might be an issue for some nesting species at certain times of year.

Catégories ZICO Habitats Usages Menaces Potencielles ou Existantes Status de Protection

• Grèbe élégant1 000 (max.)