Lochs of Harray and Stenness (2528)
United Kingdom, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Lochs of Harray and Stenness
Central coordinates: Latitude: 59.0150, Longitude: -3.2292
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 17.88547
Protected area coverage (%): 99.51
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Run-off from a large part of Orkney's West Mainland enters the sea via these two lochs. The shallow freshwater Loch of Harray becomes brackish at the junction with the Loch of Stenness, which is entirely brackish and classed as a lagoon. The flora and fauna therefore consists of brackish, marine and freshwater species. The lochs support large numbers of wintering wildfowl. Anser anser are from the Icelandic breeding population.
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.
Delineation rationale: First identified in 1989; no significant boundary changes since then. Digitised onto 1:50,000 scale OS maps.
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (100%) | water management (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 100 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Nutrient loads | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Small dams | Ongoing |