The Site is a diverse wetland area on the west coast of Lofoten, the south-western part of which contains large areas of permanent shallow marine waters with eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds, intertidal flats, islands and islets. The north-eastern part of the Site is on the main island Austvågøya and contains extensive mires and freshwater ponds. The Site is internationally important for its animal and plant life. The European otter (Lutra lutra) is present, while many seabirds and waterfowl such as black guillemot (Cepphus grille), herring gull (Larus argentatus), and northern pintail (Anas acuta) breed in Laukvikøyene. The sheltered shorelines reduce the impact of waves coming from the open ocean, and no particular erosion problems have been noted. The area is occasionally visited by birdwatchers and traditionally used by local residents for collecting seabird eggs. Potential factors adversely affecting the Site are overgrazing and disturbance of birds by a nearby quarry.