The Site consists of shallow marine areas within a complex of flat grassy islets, lagoons and brackish swamps, supporting communities of Zostera, Potamogeton and Salicornia. In the west, there is a 15-hectare lake surrounded by a large beach meadow complex. There are also exposed bays, isolated freshwater ponds, sheltered salt marshes and exposed seaweed meadows which are important for shoreline stabilization. The Site supports one of the few, intact larger mud/sand flats in northern Norway, and a broad range of regionally rare sublittoral plant species. Many waterbirds depend on these rich areas for food and rest during their spring and autumn migration. More than 50 species of waterfowl have been recorded here, mainly ducks and waders, with some species reaching several thousand individuals. The Site is a particularly important staging area for pink-footed geese Anser brachyrhynchus during their spring migration. It is also an important breeding site. The Site regularly supports a stable population of the European otter Lutra lutra. The area features archaeological and historical remains. The main land uses are livestock grazing, tourism, fishing and birdwatching.