The Site is a complex of freshwater lakes created by peat extraction activities, and adjoining marshlands and wet meadows. The Site boundary was delineated more accurately and adjusted to that of the Natura 2000 site in 2014. The Site is important for waterbirds: it hosts more than 1% of the respective biogeographic populations of the barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis), the white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons), and the wigeon (Anas penelope). It serves as a drain for the surrounding polders and surplus water is discharged into the Wadden Sea; it is also used for irrigation. Main human uses include freshwater usage for irrigation, boating, commercial fisheries, tourism and farming. Threats include drainage, unnatural water level management and eutrophication.