GL043
Liverpool Land coast and mouth of Scoresby Sund


Site description (2000 baseline):

Site location and context
A rocky coastline with cliffs and small offshore islands (Raffles Ø and Rathbone Ø), extending from 70°30'N to 71°30'N. Scoresby Sund is the mouth of a wide fjord between Liverpool Land coast and Kap Brewster (IBA 042), which remains ice-free for much of the year due to strong tidal currents (i.e. a polynya). The nutrient-rich waters provide excellent feeding for seabirds. Subsistence hunting takes place.



Key biodiversity
The area is internationally important for Alle alle, which is present in extremely large numbers on all islands and headlands. Other breeding auks include Uria lomvia (at least 2,000 individuals on Raffles Ø), Cepphus grylle, and possibly Fratercula arctica.



Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
With the exception of local disturbance caused by hunting, no serious threats are known at the site.



Protected areas
National None International None




Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Liverpool Land coast and mouth of Scoresby Sund (Greenland (to Denmark)). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/liverpool-land-coast-and-mouth-of-scoresby-sund-iba-greenland-(to-denmark) on 06/12/2024.