The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The Annotated Ramsar List: Norway

The Annotated Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance

NORWAY / NORVEGE / NORUEGA

The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Norway on 21 December 1975. Norway presently has 37 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 116,369 hectares.

site; date of designation; region, province, state; surface area; coordinates
site; date de désignation; région, province, état; superficie; coordonnées
sitios; fecha de designación; región, provincia, estado; área; coordenadas

Åkersvika. 09/07/74; Hedmark; 425 ha; 60º50’N 011º08’E. Nature Reserve. An freshwater embayment of an artificially regulated lake and lower river reaches. Principal habitats are open water, exposed mudflats, wet grassland, and Alnus/Salix scrub, with shoreline vegetation dominated by moss. The site is an important feeding and resting area for migratory waterbirds. It is surrounded by urban, industrial and agricultural land and crossed by roads and railway lines. Subject of a Ramsar Advisory Mission in 1989. Ramsar site no. 13. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Balsfjord Wetland System. 06/08/02; Troms; 1,915 ha; 69°21'N 019°03'E. Nature Reserves. Comprises two large marine tidal areas in the inner part of the fjord, which at low tide reveal large areas of mud- and sandflats. Wet meadows fringe the areas between the areas of the Ramsar site and the cultivated areas outside it, and gallery forests outline the site in some areas. Several rivers and streams discharge into the fjord through the tidal flats. The site is one of only two in northern Norway for large numbers of spring migrant Knots Calidris canutus islandica; both the Knot and the Slavonian Grebe are present in internationally important numbers. Some grazing and gravel digging is practiced by local people, but the site enjoys low traffic and little human impact. Ramsar site no. 1186. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Bliksvær. 06/08/02; Nordland; 4,000 ha; 67°17'N 014°00'E. Nature Reserves. A complex of five nature reserves along the northwestern coast, comprising numerous skerries and islets and a larger island, with shallow marine waters, rocky shores, and some sandy beaches, as well as wet meadows, dunes and dune slacks, and brackish marshes typical of the region. The White-tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) is supported, and the site provides a breeding area for a number of other representative seabirds. Seagull eggs and eider down have for centuries been collected in the area, in a close relationship between man and bird along the northern coast, but the practice has been largely abandoned - since this activity had been advantageous for local breeding populations of seabirds through building of eider-houses and lowering of predation levels, plans have been made to reinvigorate these practices, including the increase of traditional scything of meadows. Ramsar site no. 1187. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Dokkadelta. 06/08/02; Oppland; 366 ha; 60°48'N 010°08'E. Nature Reserve. The second largest inland delta in southern Norway, where the rivers Etna and Dokka flow into lake Randsfjorden, with numerous islets dominated by shrubs and alder/shrub gallery forest, with flora characteristic of wet meadows. As an unspoilt estuary that has become rare in the region, the site's value for preserving regional biodiversity is high. It also has an important function as a staging area for several migratory bird species. A management plan has been developed to restart traditional scything of swamp vegetation and wet meadows for animal fodder, and some traditional hay-houses have been restored. Regulation of the lake for hydropower production has had relatively little impact on the protected area. Ramsar site no. 1188. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Fokstumyra. 06/08/02; Oppland; 785 ha; 62°08'N 009°15'E. Nature Reserve. Norway's first nature reserve (1923), a flat alpine landscape with extensive mires interspersed with lakes and large tracts of shrubs and aquatic vegetation. Well-known to birdwatchers for some 40 species of waterbirds and a number of alpine passerine species, as well as one of the largest population of Great Snipe in Europe. The site is also lightly used for leisure activities such as walking and fishing. Ramsar site no. 1189. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Froan Nature Reserve & Landscape Protection Area. 19/03/96; Sør-Trøndelag; 48,400 ha; 64º00’N 009º10’E. Nature Reserve, Landscape Protection Area. The extreme outermost coastal zone of shallow marine waters, hundreds of islands and skerries (small, rocky islets), beaches, bogs, and meadows. The large production of marine invertebrates and fish, combined with extensive seaweed beds, sustain a rich animal life. Internationally important numbers of seabirds breed at the site, and large numbers of migrating, molting, breeding and wintering waterbirds of numerous species occur. The site provides important habitat for half the Norwegian population of the seal Phoca vitulina. Human activities include nature conservation, fishing, grazing, and some boating activity. Ramsar site no. 809. Most recent RIS information: ?.

Giske Wetlands System. 19/03/96; Møre og Romsdal; 554 ha; 62º33’N 006º05’E. Nature Reserves, Bird Protection Area. Situated on two islands on the outermost part of the coast, the area is characterized by a flat landscape formed by glaciers and quarternary deposits. The system of shallow bays, extensive tidal seaweed zones, sand and mudflats, wet meadows, fossil shorelines, marshes and mires provide rich feeding areas for birds. An internationally important area for high numbers of breeding, wintering and migrating waterbirds and waders, with several rare species occurring. Human activities include nature conservation, recreation, camping, hunting, airport activity, and livestock grazing. There is a bird observatory at the site. Ramsar site no. 805. Most recent RIS information: ?.

Haroya Wetlands System. 19/03/96; Møre og Romsdal; 189 ha; 62º45’N 006º28’E. Nature Reserve, Bird Protection Area. A wetland system of shallow bays, extensive tidal, mud and sandflats with seaweed zones, sand dune systems, freshwater marsh, and mires. Large quantities of seaweed accumulate, creating rich feeding areas for waterbirds. An internationally important area for large numbers of migrating and wintering waterbirds and various species of breeding birds. The site is important for the otter Lutra lutra, and the seal Phoca vitulina. Human activities include nature conservation, fishing, livestock grazing, and recreation. Ramsar site no. 806. Most recent RIS information: ?.

Havmyran. 06/08/02; Sør-Trøndelag; 4,000 ha; 63°30'N 008°35'E. Nature Reserve.A unspoilt characteristic coastal Atlantic mire and lake system that serves as an important breeding site for several bird species, most notably Southern Dunlin (Calidris alpina spp schinzii) in 10-20 pairs. The pine Pinus sylvestris is found on the peripheries, partly of old growth character. Human uses include low-impact leisure walking, sport fishing, and berrypicking. A monitoring programme is observing possible increased levels of nitrogen in precipitation originating from a newly-opened gas refinery some 4 km away. Ramsar site no. 1190. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Hynna. 06/08/02; Oppland; 1,547 ha; 61°13'N 009°55'E. Nature Reserve. A representative mire habitat of northern latitude, flat or weakly sloping mire with extremely wet terraces mixed with drier parts, interspersed with both small and larger ponds and lakes. Thirty species of waterbirds, including several that are red-listed, have been recorded in the area. Especially in light of drainage of other parts of the catchment, the site plays a very important role in flood control. Human uses are limited to leisure activities, including sport fishing and berry picking. Ramsar site no. 1191. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Ilene & Presterødkilen. 24/07/85; Vestfold; 177 ha; 59º15’N 010º20’E. Nature Reserve. A complex of shallow marine bays and mudflats surrounded by a mosaic of reedbeds, meadows, pasture and forest. One of the most important parts of Oslofjorden for staging various species of migratory waterbirds. An information center exists, and strict regulations prevent construction, hunting, and drainage. Surrounding land was drained for agriculture. Ramsar site no. 308. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Jæren wetland system. 24/07/85; Rogaland; 3,256 ha; 58°50'N 005°34'E. Nature Reserves. An extension of 18 wetlands units to the existing 4, expanding the 1985 Ramsar site from 400 to 3,256 ha. The system lies in an agriculture-dominated area of southwestern Norway with formerly extensive wetlands - coastal sites remain largely intact, but freshwater sites have been drained on a large scale. Marine areas are dominated by sand, mud, pebble, and stone shores, with large areas of dune systems. Freshwater areas are characterized by shallow water and extensive stands of Phragmites communis, and three smaller mire systems have also been included in the site. The newly-extended site is said to be incomparably the single most important area for wetland-related birds in Norway, especially as a staging and wintering area. Given strong agriculture influences and high levels of nitrogen pollution in the area, the importance of the remaining wetlands in the lowland is extraordinarily high in terms of their function as sediment traps and in water purification. Along the shorelines one can find the densest collection of archaeological sites in Norway, with grave mounds dating back a thousand years or more. Action plans to decrease agricultural runoff are showing promise, and buffer zones are being contemplated. Tourism (walking, sunbathing, birdwatching) is fairly heavy in the area. Extended from 400 to 3,256 hectares in 2002. Ramsar site no. 309. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Karlsøyvær. 06/08/02; Nordland; 5,000 ha; 67°34'N 014°40'E. Nature Reserve.A marine archipelago with shallow waters dotted with numerous islets and islands, typical of the North European coast, with wet meadows, dunes and dune slacks, and brackish marshes in some parts. The site is one of several important areas along the coast for staging, breeding, moulting and wintering seabirds from large parts of the Arctic coasts, and the numbers of breeding White-tailed Sea Eagle Haliaetus albicilla are noteworthy. Plans are being made to reactivate the traditional practice of collecting seagull eggs and eider down, advantageous to local breeding populations of seabirds through building of eider-houses and lowering of predation levels. Ramsar site no. 1192. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Kurefjorden. 24/07/85; Østfold; 400 ha; 59º30’N 011º00’E. Nature Reserve. One of the most important wetlands in the region for staging migratory waterbirds. Habitats include a shallow marine bay surrounded by agricultural land, open water, extensive beds of submerged vegetation, mudflats and wet grassland. There is an observation tower located on the Reserve. Human activities have included extensive drainage for agriculture. Strict regulations prevent construction, hunting, and drainage. Ramsar site no. 306. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Kvisleflået. 06/08/02; Hedmark; 3,300 ha; 61°48'N 012°05'E. Nature Reserve.A large, flat-mire landscape, with large deposits of moraine, which creates a mosaic of dry and wet areas interspersed with ponds and lakes - a transboundary protected site with Sweden. Several rare species, including Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica, Crane Grus grus, Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus, and Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minumus, breed in the area. The site is important for flood control in an area where many similar sites have been altered and more severe flooding episodes have been recorded in recent years. Forestry is among the main sources of income in the area, and the site itself is used for low-impact hunting activities, with some berry picking as well. Ramsar site no. 1193. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Lista Wetlands System. 19/03/96; Vest-Agder; 724 ha; 58º13’N 006º45’E. Plant And Bird Protection Area, Nature Reserve, Bird Protection Area, Landscape Protection Area, Freshwater Reservoirs of Scientific Interest. A wetland system of shallow bays, sand, shingle and rocky beaches, dune systems, and lakes. Large quantities of seaweed accumulate, creating rich feeding areas for waterbirds. An internationally important area for staging and wintering waterbirds and for breeding Larus fuscus intermedius. Large numbers of various species of ducks, waders and passerines also use the site. Numerous nationally rare plant species occur in the area. Human activities include nature conservation, recreation, fishing and hunting. The area is noted for numerous archaeological finds of national importance. There is a bird observatory at the site. Ramsar site no. 804. Most recent RIS information: ?.

Mellandsvågen. 19/03/96; Møre og Romsdal; 98 ha; 63º22’N 008º30’E. Nature Reserve. A system of intertidal shallow waters, extensive mudflats, wet meadows, and mires, mixed with rocky outcrops bordering a 1,000ha animal protection area. The site includes intertidal shores with mussel and seaweed beds, and saltmarsh. The geographic position of the area makes it an important link for migrating birds, in particular geese, ducks and waders that feed, rest or winter at the site. Human activities include birdwatching and livestock grazing. Ramsar site no. 808. Most recent RIS information: ?.

Mosvasstangen Wetlands System. 19/03/96; Telemark; 1,436 ha; 59º50’N 008º10’E. Landscape Protection Area, Bird Sanctuary. One of the largest string-mires in southern Norway, the area exhibits inland and alpine characteristics and includes small lakes, meadow and forest. Large quaternary deposits have formed drumlins, eskers and kames. It is the southernmost breeding site for many northern and alpine bird species. Human activities include nature conservation, fishing, livestock grazing, recreation, and tourism. More than 100 archaeological sites dating to the iron-age are present. Ramsar site no. 803. Most recent RIS information: ?.

Nordre Øyeren. 24/07/85; Akerhus; 6,260 ha; 59º53’N 011º09’E. Nature Reserve. The largest inland delta in Norway includes low islands and land giving way to Lake Øyeren. Vegetation includes deciduous forest, scrub, grassland, and cultivated land. The lake is one of the most important areas in southern Norway for resting migratory waterbirds. Up to 1,000 swans occur in late autumn, while large numbers of various ducks occur during both spring and autumn migrations. The nationally rare frog Rana arvalis is also found at the site. Human activities include fishing, recreation, and agriculture. Ramsar site no. 307. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Nordre Tyrifjord. 19/03/96; Buskerud; 323 ha; 60º07’N 010º12’E. Nature Reserves. A system of oxbow lakes, bays dotted with islets, small dams and mires. Vegetation includes flooded marshland, seasonally flooded deciduous forests, mud and sandflats. An important inland locality for migrating and wintering waterbirds and waders in southern Norway. Several species of waterbirds feed, and numerous nationally rare species breed at the site. Human activities include nature conservation, recreation, fishing and boating. There is a bird observatory at the site. Ramsar site no. 802. Most recent RIS information: ?.

Øra. 24/07/85; Østfold; 1,560 ha; 59º10’N 011º00’E. Nature Reserve. An extensive estuarine area at the river’s mouth that includes intertidal zones, rocky islands and reedbeds. An important area for nesting, passage and wintering waterbirds, including swans and large numbers of ducks in autumn. Regulations prevent construction, hunting, drainage, and access to resting areas during sensitive periods. Ramsar site no. 305. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Ørlandet 24/07/85; Sør-Trøndelag; 2,920 ha; 63º42’N 009º35’E. Nature Reserve, Bird Sanctuary. A complex of four separate sites forming part of a large area of shallow marine waters, intertidal zones and mudflats. The intertidal area is vegetated by salt-tolerant species. The most important wetland system in central Norway for resting and feeding migratory waterbirds. Large numbers of ducks and waders occur in autumn and winter. Human activities have included drainage for agricultural purposes. Seaweed cutting is permitted on a small scale, but strict regulations prevent construction, hunting, and drainage. Ramsar site no. 310. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Øvre Forra. 06/08/02; Nord-Trøndelag; 10,800 ha; 63°37'N 011°35'E; Nature Reserve.A huge intact peat mire system at higher elevation, partly forested with notably Picea abies, interspersed with several smaller lakes and a meandering river. The landscape is undulating and mires also exist on sloping terrain (due to high precipitation); some smaller peaks and areas with drier vegetation also exist. The site supports a number of rare or threatened breeding bird species, especially Great Snipe Gallinago media, as well as the threatened Otter Lutra lutra and the rare orchids Coeloglossum viride and Hammarbya paludosa, among 328 species of vascular plants. Forestry is among the main sources of income in the area but does not affect the site directly, which is lightly used for hunting, fishing, trekking, canoeing and skiing, and some berry picking. Iron melting sites from one to two thousand years old have been uncovered. Ramsar site no. 1194. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Pasvik Nature Reserve. 19/03/96; Finnmark; 1,910 ha; 69º10’N 029º15’E. Nature Reserve, National Historical Monument. Situated along the Russian border in the northern boreal forest, the reserve includes part of the (regulated) Pasvik River, characterized by many bays, lakes and islets. Of particular interest are well-developed permafrost structures (palsamires) or permanently frozen mire areas. The area includes Pinus sylvestris forests and extensive mires. Due to very early ice break-up, the area is especially important for staging migratory waterbirds. Numerous vulnerable species of waterbirds breed at the site. Principal human activities include nature protection, recreation, and fishing. Reindeer husbandry and forestry occur in the surroundings. Archeological findings document habitation of the area up to 8,000 years ago. Ramsar site no. 810. Most recent RIS information: ?.

Sandblåst/Gaustadvågen Nature Reserve. 19/03/96; Møre og Romsdal; 250 ha; 62º58’N 007º17’E. Nature Reserve. Three small rivers converge, forming a system of sheltered brackish lagoons and extensive intertidal mudflats with wet meadows. Salinity varies from freshwater to brackish and finally salt water. The high biological production, extensive beds of aquatic vegetation, and invertebrates support large numbers of migrating birds and numerous wintering swans, geese, ducks and waders. Several waterbird species breed at the site, and the otter Lutra lutra is common in the area. Human activities include agriculture and hunting. There are archeological sites in the area. Ramsar site no. 807. Most recent RIS information: ?.

Skogvoll. 06/08/02; Nordland; 5,500 ha; 68°58'N 015°55'E. Nature Reserve. The mire area is one of the most extensive lowland Atlantic mire complexes in Norway, dotted with numerous ponds and lakes. The other half of the area consists of shallow marine waters, with islets and skerries, tidal zones and a rare lagoon system with brackish and fresh water. Wet salt-influenced meadows fringe the shorelines. The marine part of the site is important for staging migratory birds, particularly Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus. The system of brackish lagoons with freshwater flora (Hippuris, Potamogeton) in the tidal zones has been noted by botanists as very rare. Human impact upon the site is very low. Ramsar site no. 1195. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Slettnes. 06/08/02; Finnmark; 1,200 ha; 71°05'N 028°13'E. Nature Reserve. Coastal meadow with mires and numerous ponds and lakes on the arctic shores of northernmost Norway. A number of "fossil" and elevated shorelines (several kilometers long) characterize the landscape. Some bird species occur in unusually high densities, with for example colonies of some 170 pairs of Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus. Since the site has recently been connected to the mainland by a new road, easier access for tourists and birdwatchers may cause some disturbance for the breeding birds, but birdwatching, sport fishing, and berry picking continue at a low level. Ramsar site no. 1196. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Stabbursneset. 24/07/85; Finnmark; 1,620 ha; 70º10’N 024º40’E. Nature Reserve. Part of a river delta including shallow marine waters, sand banks exposed at low tide, saltmarsh and wet mires. An important area for resting and molting migratory waterbirds. A significant proportion of the Norwegian breeding population of the globally endangered goose Anser erythropus stages in the area. There is an information center at the site and strict regulations prevent construction, hunting, drainage, and access during sensitive times. Ramsar site no. 312. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Tanamunningen. 06/08/02; Finnmark; 3,360 ha; 070°30'N 028°25'E. Nature Reserve. The Tana is one of the largest rivers in Norway and the most important for wild salmon Salmo salar. The mouth of the river to the sea has created a shallow estuary, partly brackish, and huge underwater deposits of gravel. Some sandy islands are situated in the middle of the site. An unspoilt river estuary of this size is rare in Europe. The site is particularly important for Goosander Mergus merganser, with up to 13.5% of the Northwest/Central European population. The Tana is extemely important for the local Sami culture, both as a traditional means of transport and as a source of salmon. Human impacts are low, but an increase in ship traffic nearby for a planned quarry will be watched. Ramsar site no. 1197. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Tautra & Svaet. 24/07/85; Nord-Trøndelag; 2,054 ha; 63º35’N 010º37’E. Nature Reserve, Bird Sanctuary. An island surrounded by shallow marine waters. The northern part is dominated by farms, houses and roads, while the southern point is dominated by Picea forest and Juniperus scrub. The area is important for breeding and resting numerous species of waterbirds. Ramsar site no. 311. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Trondheimfiord wetland system. 06/08/02; Sør- and Nord-Trøndelag; 670 ha; 63°34'N 010°51'E. Nature Reserves. Four separate wetland units - Eidsbotn, Gaulosen, Ørin, and Rinnleiret - consisting of sheltered tidal marine areas and two river estuaries, important for migratory birds, in particular ducks and waders. The site includes the Gaula, one of the very few unspoilt large-river estuaries in southern Norway, and provides immense flood control functions. The site is used by tourists and residents for walking, fishing, and birdwatching. Ramsar site no. 1198. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Tufsingdeltaet. 06/08/02; Hedmark; 920 ha; 62°12'N 011°49'E. Nature Reserve.Wetland with mires and the river Tufsinga's delta into Lake Femund, with a very high number of wetland types, including mires, flowing watercourses, lakes and ponds, and shrub/gallery forests. The formation of mires into the lake through overgrowing of ponds is considered to be remarkable. Areas of impenetrable floating mires exist both on land and in the lake. Human uses includes sport fishing and canoe-paddling, but habitation levels and human impacts are very low. Ramsar site no. 1199. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

NORWAY (Spitzbergen) / NORVEGE (Spitzberg) / NORUEGA (Spitsbergen)

Dunøyane. 24/07/85; 120 ha; 77º04’N 015º00’E. Bird Sanctuary, National Park. Three islands covered with rich arctic vegetation, several freshwater ponds, and a number of barren and rocky skerries (small, rocky islets). The surrounding sea area is shallow and nutrient rich. The site is one of Spitsbergen’s most important breeding and molting grounds for Branta leucopsis and Somateria mollissima and supports several other species of breeding waterbirds. Ramsar site no. 314. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Forlandsøyane. 24/07/85; 60 ha; 78º20’N 011º36’E. Bird Sanctuary, National Park. The site includes three islands and a number of skerries (small, rocky islets). One of the islands is completely bare, while the others are grass-covered with small ponds. The shorelines are formed by cliffs and sandy beaches. The surrounding sea is shallow and nutrient rich. The site supports breeding colonies of all three goose species nesting in Svalbard, along with various other species of breeding waterbirds. Ramsar site no. 313. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Gasøyane. 24/07/85; 100 ha; 78º27’N 016º15’E. Bird Sanctuary. Three small, partially vegetated islands with a few freshwater ponds and cliffs suitable for nesting seabirds. The area is important for several species of breeding waterbirds, especially Somateria mollissima (650 pairs). Ramsar site no. 317. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Isøyane. 24/07/85; 30 ha; 77º08’N 014º48’E. Bird Sanctuary, National Park. The site includes two islands. The northern one is covered with rich, grassy vegetation, and small freshwater ponds. The southern island supports less well-developed vegetation. The area is among the more important localities on Spitsbergen for nesting Branta leucopsis. Other breeding waterbirds include Gavia stellata, Somateria mollissima and Sterna paradisaea. Ramsar site no. 316. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Kongsfjorden. 24/07/85; 140 ha; 78º55’N 012º10’E. Bird Sanctuary. Ten variously sized islands covered with rich, grassy vegetation and small freshwater ponds. The area supports up to 4,000 pairs of nesting Somateria mollissima that also stage in large numbers, as well as various other species of breeding waterbirds. Increasing human activity, notably tourism, has resulted in reduced numbers of nesting Somateria mollissima. Ramsar site no. 315. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 31 January 2000, updated 9 September 2002, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.