Lågskär-Nyhamn (1285)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Lågskär-Nyhamn
Central coordinates: Latitude: 59.8705, Longitude: 19.9812
System: marine, terrestrial
Area of KBA (km2): 131.57887
Protected area coverage (%): 10.59
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.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: The area is the only major wintering ground for Polysticta stelleri in Finland. Good numbers of Larus fuscus fuscus, Alca torda and Cepphus grylle also breed.
Habitats
Land use: not utilised (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 5 | |
| Marine Neritic | 95 |
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.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Energy production & mining | Renewable energy | Ongoing |