Merenkurkku archipelago (1335)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1b, A1d, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Merenkurkun saaristo
Central coordinates: Latitude: 63.3333, Longitude: 21.0833
System: marine, terrestrial
Area of KBA (km2): 2231.80812
Protected area coverage (%): 71.68
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large archipelago encompassing many hundreds (perhaps thousands) of islands at the boundary of the Bothnian Sea and the Bay of Bothnia. The smaller islands are treeless and rocky, the middle-sized ones hold deciduous trees, whilst the largest support mixed and coniferous forests, numerous fladas, lagoons, island lakes, and pools. The site includes extensive areas of open water, which are mainly shallow, stony and biologically productive. Fishing is extensive in many parts of the area and recreational developments are increasing.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: Probably the most important area for island-breeding birds in Finland. The area supports the largest staging populations of many species in the country. An important bottleneck site for migrating Buteo lagopus (1,000-5,000 birds per season).
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 10 | |
| Marine Neritic | 85 | |
| Forest | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: A bird observatory has been maintained on Valassaaret island for many years; the main activity is observations of migration, especially in spring. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate change & severe weather | Storms & flooding | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |