The Site is a wetland system of shallow bays, sand, shingle and rocky beaches, dune systems and lakes. Large quantities of seaweed accumulate, creating rich feeding areas for waterbirds. The Site is of great importance to wintering and staging waterfowl, seabirds and waders, owing to its great diversity and its strategic location on the southern tip of Norway. Inland shallow lakes are important feeding areas for divers, grebes, cormorants and many species of diving ducks during winter and migration periods. Numerous nationally rare plant species occur. Human activities include nature conservation, recreation, fishing and hunting. The area is noted for numerous archaeological finds of national importance. There is a birdwatching observatory at the Site.