Kirkkonummi archipelago (1298)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2025
National site name: Kirkkonummen saaristo
Central coordinates: Latitude: 59.9333, Longitude: 24.5000
System: terrestrial, marine
Elevation (m): 0 to 0
Area of KBA (km2): 163.08425
Protected area coverage (%): 70.94
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large area of both inner and outer archipelago situated off Porkkala peninsula in the central part of the Gulf of Finland. The archipelago is dominated by large areas of open water. Most of the islands are small, barren and rocky, but a few are larger and forested. Some islands have small areas of low vegetated shore meadows and shallow lagoons. The main human activity is recreational boating but landing is forbidden on many islands. Few islands have cottages or other buildings.</P>
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: Nationally important populations of <I>Larus marinus</I> (67-70 pairs) and <I>Larus argentatus</I> (1,865 pairs) also breed. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: <I>Polysticta stelleri</I> (up to 40 birds on passage, irregular), <I>Haliaeetus albicilla</I> (3 individuals, passage).</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: Allien esiintyminen, sinisimpukkamallinnus ja syvyyskiyrut
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Neritic | 80 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 20 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: There has been a bird observatory on Rönnskär island for many years, carrying out bird ringing and observing migration. The area is a candidate SAC.</P>
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Site identified based on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by the BirdLife International Partnership