The Site is a complex of lakes, of which some are artificially regulated; it also features marshes, reedbeds, peatland, pasture, woods, thickets and dry pine forest. About 20 % of the area is covered by lakes. The lakes are representative of mesotrophic to eutrophic lakes oringinating from the Vistula glacial stage in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The area is an important resting site for various waterbirds and supports a rich marsh flora and diverse invertebrate fauna. Significant numbers of tufted duck (Aythya fuligula), common crane (Grus grus) and red-crested pochard (Netta rufina) are present. The area offers opportunities for research and educational activities. Several biotopes and species require management measures; succession and overgrowth because of insufficient or inappropriate management are potential threats.