Giske Wetlands System

Giske Wetlands System

Country:
Norway
Site number:
805
Area:
553.3 ha
Designation date:
18-03-1996
Coordinates:
62°32'39"N 06°04'09"E
  • Giske Bird Sanctuary
  • Blindheimsvik Bird Sanctuary

Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.


The Site comprises six sub-sites, one on the island of Giske and five on the island of Vigra. The wetland system consists of extensive shallow marine bays with mud and sandflats and pebble shores, as well as a small area of dunes. The extent and the location of the wetlands make them internationally important, in particular for 220 recorded bird species. Large numbers of birds stage during their migrations, and in particular waders, making this the most important site for waders in the country. The area is also important for other wetland birds, including ducks, grebes and divers. It is used for recreation (walking, swimming, riding, birdwatching and non-commercial net fishing) as well as farming. Other human activities include conservation and education: a birdwatching station is established on Giske. Overgrowing due to changes in agriculture is the factor most affecting the area, as well as run-off of fertilizer. Planting of trees as shelter belts has also had a negative effect, while boat traffic and windsurfing also cause some disturbance.

Administrative region: Møre og Romsdal

National legal designation:
  • bird protection area - Roaldsand, Blindheimsvik, Giske
  • nature reserve - Rørvikvatnet, Rørvikvågen and Synesvågen
Last publication date: 17-04-2024