Sundominlahti Bay and Söderfjärden (1338)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Sundominlahti-Söderfjärden
Central coordinates: Latitude: 63.0000, Longitude: 21.5833
System: marine, terrestrial
Area of KBA (km2): 45.0089
Protected area coverage (%): 54.69
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A shallow eutrophic sea bay at the mouth of the Laihia river lying south of the town of Vaasa. Most of the bay is open water, although there are wide marshes, and extensive beds of reed Phragmites. To the south lies the agricultural area of Söderfjärden, which was previously a sea bay. The IBA also includes an undisturbed area of inner archipelago, where Grus grus from the farmland roost.
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: The most important staging area for Grus grus in Finland. It is also important for other staging waterbirds.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (50%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 25 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 50 | |
| Marine Neritic | 25 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The active use of farmland in Söderfjärden is very important for staging cranes. Some farmers have requested a licence to shoot Grus grus since they cause damage to crops. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Dams (size unknown) | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |