Sable Island
Sable Iceland is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, part of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. The island is so close to the trans-Atlantic shipping routes that it represented one of the most dangerous obstacles, since sailing ships crossing the Atlantic. The island is therefore one of the most famous ship graveyards. Since radar on ships is common, the number of accidents off the coast of this island has declined.
Geography
The island, located about 160 km southeast of Canso the same chapter of the Nova Scotia peninsula and about 290 km east-southeast of Halifax, is one of the most remote places in Canada. It is nearly 42 km long, swinging in an arc and up to 2 km wide. The highest dune is 40 m high. Its area is about 3,400 ha = 34 km ². Originally the islands of French l' île de Sable, ie sand island was named. This name was adopted into English.
The island is managed as part of the city of Halifax and is part of District 13: Northwest Arm - South End and Sable Iceland.
Geology
One theory for the geological formation of the island starts from a lower sea level during the last ice age 11,000 years ago, another considers it possible that the sand was pushed by glaciers as far off the coast. Ocean currents and storms leave the dunes migrate; in the past several hundred years excursions were observed up to 44 kilometers.
History
The island is known as " Graveyard of the Atlantic " notorious, because since 1583, over 350 shipwrecks on its coast over 10,000 sailors life cost (see ship graveyard ). The reason for this is that the island is very far from the coast and near shipping routes and one-third of the year fog in this area takes the view. The strongly sloping seabed can also stir up particularly strong along with strong winds the lake. Many of these wrecks still lie on the coast of the island.
Nature
Conservation
The conservation organization Sable Iceland Preservation Trust cares about protecting and preserving the environment of this island. In August 2012, the Sable Iceland National Park was inaugurated. This is managed by Parks Canada.
Wildlife
The island is also famous for non- sailors. Horse lovers know the Sable Iceland ponies, half-wild horses with a population of 250 to 300 wild horses, which descendants are from 1738 introduced on the island ponies, which are then run wild.
Over 300 bird species have been observed on the island, of which 15 breed regularly on Sable Iceland.
There are also five species of seals, of which raise their two boys on the island.
Rarely bats could be observed.
Climate
At 125 days per year, the island lies in the mist; also make them the main reason for the many shipwrecks dar. The Gulf Stream ensures a comparatively mild climate, it is the warmest in August with an average of 17 ° C and the coldest in February with an average of -1 ° C. Precipitation varies monthly between 90 and 150 mm.
Population
Since 1801 the island has been inhabited continuously. 1996, there were only three permanent residents on the island: the inspector Gerry Forbes as well as a technician of the weather station and a craftsman who spent 1-6 months at a time on the island. In 2008, the island was one of five permanent residents.
Economy
- Sable Iceland is one of the richest fishing grounds in the world, what is relevant for Canadian fishing rights.
- To the north of the island are six gas fields ( Venture, South Venture, Thebaud, North Triumph, Glenelg and Alma) with about 85 billion cubic meters of recoverable natural gas. The Sable Offshore Energy Project began in 1999 with the offshore development, the operation of up to 28 drilling rigs is planned by 2025. The water depth of the platforms is 20 to 80 m.
Radio station
Because of its remoteness and the limited access the island is a destination for amateur radio operators who operate at DX.pedition a radio station with the call sign rare CY0AA the island.