The Site in northern Norway consists of a large and characteristic river delta. It is of international importance for birdlife as a staging and resting site, due to its mud and sand flats and rich tidal meadows. There is a large variety of water birds, among them the globally vulnerable long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis). Huge numbers of common merganser (Mergus merganser) can be observed during the moulting period. Black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) and ruff (Philomachus pugnax) are also found. The Site is the only place in Norway where female harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) give birth on sand banks. The Tana River is a very important spawning river for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The river plays a significant role in flood protection and sediment transport and is extremely important for the local Sami culture, both as a traditional transport route and as a source of salmon. Possible threats include the introduction of invasive species through the unloading of ballast water, and potential oil spills, but the situation is monitored.