Lake Gammelstadsviken (876)
Sweden, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Gammelstadsviken
Central coordinates: Latitude: 65.6317, Longitude: 22.0805
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1 to 4
Area of KBA (km2): 4.34769
Protected area coverage (%): 99.99
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A shallow (1-4 m in depth) nutrient-rich lake at the head of the Gulf of Bothnia, formed when rising land isolated a bay from the sea. Fine marine sediments with overlying mud deposits cover the lake floor. Water exchange is minimal due to the low rate of inflow to the lake. Large sections of the shoreline are marshy, with Phragmites, Typha and Equisetum present; the lake itself supports floating vegetation. Mixed forests surround the lake.
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 IBA is important for breeding waterbirds, waders and gulls.
Delineation rationale: Old data on area is correct. /Robert Ekblom (2007-10-18)
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research (95%) | tourism/recreation (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 10 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 90 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat comes from the expansion of the nearby town of Luleå.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Other ecosystem modifications | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Commercial & industrial areas | Only in the future |