Data Zone
Country/territory: Finland
IBA criteria met: A4i, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B1iv, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 (2000)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 223,652 hectares (2,236.52 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2010 | very poor | medium | low |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2000 baseline)
A large archipelago encompassing many hundreds (perhaps thousands) of islands at the boundary of the Bothnian Sea and the Bay of Bothnia. The smaller islands are treeless and rocky, the middle-sized ones hold deciduous trees, whilst the largest support mixed and coniferous forests, numerous fladas, lagoons, island lakes, and pools. The site includes extensive areas of open water, which are mainly shallow, stony and biologically productive. Fishing is extensive in many parts of the area and recreational developments are increasing.
Key biodiversity
Probably the most important area for island-breeding birds in Finland. The area supports the largest staging populations of many species in the country. An important bottleneck site for migrating Buteo lagopus (1,000-5,000 birds per season).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Merenkurkku archipelago (Finland). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/merenkurkku-archipelago-iba-finland on 21/12/2024.