Pernajanlahti Bay. 02/02/04; Southern Finland; 1,143 ha; 60°26'N 026°00'E. Natura 2000 SPA, SCI, WHCP, Baltic Sea Protected Area, Nationally Important Landscape Area. A narrow, over 10 km long sea bay with numerous islands, one of the longest sea bays on the southern coast of Finland, with a gradually increasing salinity from the two rivers of the estuary to the mouth of the bay. Aquatic vegetation is very abundant and reed zone extensive in the northern parts. Shore areas include coastal meadows and some fine wooded meadows. The bay supports threatened birds including corncrake, crane and Spotted Crake. In the past, the bay has been an important waterway and the earliest settlements date back to the Bronze Age. The western shores are characterized by three medieval manors with traditional cultural characters. Important disturbances are caused by the highway on the northern edge of the bay and a motorboat harbor. A power line crossing the bay causes risk for larger bird species. The conservation of the Natura 2000 site will be carried out including noise reduction measures and management of coastal meadows. Birdwatching is a popular activity during migration periods. Ramsar site no. 1526. Most recent RIS information: 2005.