The Site includes five nature reserves: Nautå, Sommervatnet, Kjerkvatnet, Tennvatn and Myrvatn. The wetland system is one of the few naturally rich nutrient systems in the northernmost parts of the world. It includes bogs, lakes, ponds, rivers, forests and agricultural land as well as some coastal habitats. The Site supports nationally threatened plant species such as the rugged stonewort (Chara rudis). The garganey (Spatula querquedula), the greater scaup (Aythya marila) and the smew (Mergellus albellus) breed on the Site. In addition, it is an important staging, feeding and moulting for several species of migratory birds. A dense population of the globally endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is also found here. The area is used for various outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, hunting and sports fishing. Potential threats to the ecosystem include eutrophication and  diffuse run-off from agriculture activities and the nearby airport.