The Site is a coastal nature reserve with hundreds of islands, skerries, islets and shallow marine waters, in the outermost coastal zone. It has extensive seaweed and kelp beds and is rich in marine invertebrates and fish. The outermost parts of the area have bare skerries and rocky outcrops devoid of vegetation due to the rough seas, while the larger, more protected islands feature bogs and meadows. The vegetation is to a large degree characterized by traditional agriculture; for example, the large heather meadows have been burned and grazed by livestock for centuries. The Site is a very important wintering, moulting and breeding area for seabirds and for breeding coastal seals, and it supports vulnerable bird species such as the long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis) and the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica). There are also strong populations of several species of seals, such as the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). Human activities include nature conservation, fishing, livestock farming and boating. Two monumental lighthouses are protected under the Cultural Heritage Act. There is ongoing research on seals and monitoring of the breeding population of Phalacrocorax carbo.