The Site is a diverse wetland area on the west coast of Lofoten, the south-western part of which contains large areas of permanent shallow marine waters with eelgrass Zostera marina, intertidal flats, islands and islets. The north-eastern part of the Site belongs to the main island Austvågøya and contains extensive mires and freshwater ponds. The Site is internationally important for conservation of both flora and fauna. Many seabirds and waterfowl such as black guillemot Cepphus grylle, ruff Philomachus pugnax, velvet scoter Melanitta fusca and northern pintail Anas acuta breed in Laukvikøyene, and use the Site for resting during migration. There are large areas of submerged vegetation with different types of representative flora. The area is occasionally visited by birdwatchers and traditionally used by local residents for collecting seabird eggs. Potential factors adversely affecting the Site are overgrazing and bird disturbance caused by a nearby quarry.