The Site includes five nature reserves: Nautå, Sommervatnet, Kjerkvatnet, Tennvatn and Myrvatn. The wetland system is considered to be one of the few naturally rich nutrient systems in the northernmost parts of the world. It includes bogs, lakes, ponds, rivers, forests and agricultural land as well as some coastal habitats. The Site supports nationally threatened plant species such as the rugged stonewort Chara rudis. It is also a breeding site for the garganey Anas querquedula, the greater scaup Aythya marila and the smew Mergus albellus. In addition, it is an important staging, feeding and moulting site for several species of migratory birds. A dense population of the globally endangered freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera is also found here. The Site supplies drinking water to approximately 3,000 people and the mires are an important carbon reservoir. The area is used for various outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, hunting and sports fishing. Potential threats to the ecosystem include eutrophication and pollution caused by runoff from the surrounding agricultural areas and the airport at Evenes.