The Site consists of several shallow reservoirs along the River Inn, with islands and bays, and virgin riverine forests on the islands with no human influence. The natural watercourse was dammed to construct the reservoirs, but stretches of the River are changing into a semi-natural state again. A section along the border with Austria, consisting of a shallow reservoir and a series of islands, contains extensive reedbeds. The Site is an important breeding, wintering and resting site for numerous species of waterbirds, among them a significant population of gadwall (Anas strepera) and common merganser (Mergus merganser). The globally endangered Danube salmon (Hucho hucho) uses the Site for spawning. The Site supports scientific, educational and recreational activities. Among the major threats listed are disturbances from tourism and habitat destruction due to sedimentation.