Data Zone
Country/territory: United Kingdom
IBA criteria met: B1i, B2, C3 (2007)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 1,779 hectares (17.79 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2007 | very poor | medium | low |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2007 baseline)
Run-off from a large part of Orkney's West Mainland enters the sea via these two lochs. The shallow freshwater Loch of Harray becomes brackish at the junction with the Loch of Stenness, which is entirely brackish and classed as a lagoon. The flora and fauna therefore consists of brackish, marine and freshwater species. The lochs support large numbers of wintering wildfowl. Anser anser are from the Icelandic breeding population.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Lochs of Harray and Stenness (United Kingdom). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/lochs-of-harray-and-stenness-iba-united-kingdom on 26/12/2024.