Söderskär & Långören Archipelago. 28/05/74; Southern Finland; 18,219 ha; 60°08'N 025°39'E. Natura 2000 SPA, Baltic Sea Protected Areas, Protected Area for Grey Seal. Comprising four main areas, with a total water surface of more than 99%, which freeze during the winter. Different coastal wetland types characterize the areas with small islands and islets in the outer archipelago as well as a low esker island. Most of the islands are treeless, but others are partly overgrown by Common Juniper or characterized by sandy beaches and herb-rich forests or formed by skerries. The bird sanctuary, founded in 1930, is one of the first areas to thaw, making it important for early spring migrants. A major population of Grey Seal stays at the site, with the highest counts reaching more than 200 individuals. The main threats are damage from oil pollution and increased shipping near the area due to the planned harbour of Vuosaari. Intensive boating affects the site as well during summer months. A few small islands of the archipelago are popular birdwatching sites during the migration of arctic waterfowl and waders in May. Ramsar site no. 3. Most recent RIS information: 2005.