An inshore island in the Eyjafjördur firth, opposite the town of Dalvík. There is a village on the island. Land-uses include eider husbandry (Somateria mollissima). No grazing is allowed.
Key biodiversity
Lagopus mutus occurs at high density (up to 40 males/km2), and a variety of waders also breed.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The native heathland vegetation is being replaced by the introduced and invasive Nootka lupin Lupinus nootkatensis, and by afforestation with Picea, Larix and Pinus. The area is on the list of sites of conservation interest in the Nature Conservation Register.
Protected areas
National None International None
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Hrisey. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 28/03/2023.
