Lågskär (1285)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2025
National site name: Lågskär
Central coordinates: Latitude: 59.8705, Longitude: 19.9812
System: terrestrial, marine
Elevation (m): 0 to 0
Area of KBA (km2): 84.17135
Protected area coverage (%): 13.06
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An offshore archipelago south of åland, comprising two large islands (Lågskär and Nyhamn), and numerous much smaller, rocky islets. Between the two main islands is a large area of open water which is excluded from the IBA<B>.</B></P>
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: The area is the only major wintering ground for <I>Polysticta stelleri</I> in Finland. Good numbers of <I>Larus fuscus fuscus</I>, <I>Alca torda</I> and <I>Cepphus grylle</I> also breed.</P>
Manageability of the site: Site identified based on BirdLife International's Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, under which manageability is strongly recommended but not explicitly documented
Delineation rationale: Marine IBA -arvot ja alkuper0iset kriteerilajit
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The area remains relatively sheltered from disturbance, since it lies away from the main shipping channels and is largely free of other human activities. Although not officially nationally protected, the Provincial Government of åland treats the area as an informal conservation area. One of the most active bird observatories in the country is situated on Lågskär island, its main activities are ringing and migration observation. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.</P>
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Energy production & mining | Renewable energy | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Site identified based on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by the BirdLife International Partnership