Kirkkonummi archipelago (1298)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Kirkkonummen saaristo
Central coordinates: Latitude: 59.9333, Longitude: 24.5000
System: marine, terrestrial
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.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: Nationally important populations of Larus marinus (67-70 pairs) and Larus argentatus (1,865 pairs) also breed. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Polysticta stelleri (up to 40 birds on passage, irregular), Haliaeetus albicilla (3 individuals, passage).
Habitats
Land use: hunting (20%) | military (25%) | tourism/recreation (20%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 20 | |
| Marine Neritic | 80 |
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.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |