The Site is a permanent shallow coastal freshwater lake with fens, pines, and mixed forests (which are often wet) and brackish marshes. The most notable bird species are the vulnerable common pochard (Aythya ferina), long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis) and velvet scoter (Melanitta fusca). 1.3% of the global population of the common crane (Grus grus) is found in the Site. 48 bird species nesting at Lake Engure are considered threatened in Europe, including ducks, gulls and grebes. Consequently, at the end of the breeding season, the Lake supports at least 25,000 waterbirds. Nature observation and nature-based tourism, monitoring and long-term scientific studies are some of the activities taking place within the Site. A management plan is in place for the 2011-2025 period.