The Site is among the most important freshwater deltas in Norway, and features small lakes including oxbow lakes, river courses and channels, newly developing sandbanks and adjacent mires. The different areas of the Site feature diverse vegetation, from the sandbanks with pioneer vegetation, to the channels with reed vegetation, wet and flooded alder forests, and other deciduous and coniferous forests. There are also smaller areas of agricultural land. The Site is an important inland breeding area for waterbirds such as the greater scaup (Aythya marila) and the willow tit (Poecile montanus), which are listed as threatened on the Norwegian Red List. It plays a key role for migrating birds, especially as a staging area during spring migration. The numerous river branches are particularly important for ducks, while the swamps and mires are most important for waders. The European lynx (Lynx lynx) is present on the Site. The area recharges local groundwater reserves through abundant caves and underground rivers. The Site is used for recreation activities such as sport fishing, birdwatching and canoeing. In addition, reindeer husbandry and moose hunting take place. The ecological character is threatened by pollution caused by runoff from the surrounding agricultural areas and the airport at Evenes.