The biological diversity within the nature reserve is based on an abundant food supply and suitable habitats. The area provides breeding grounds for rare bird species and is of significant scientific and educational value.
Protection Status
The eastern part of Flatey island was first designated as a nature reserve in 1975 for the protection of birdlife. In 2021 the designation was revised and the protected area was expanded. The primary objective is to protect the area's distinctive and diverse ecosystems and bird habitats, particularly the breeding grounds of rare bird species. It also aims to facilitate research and monitoring of the area's ecosystems, with a focus on bird habitats and breeding success of nesting birds, as well as to promote education about birdlife on the island and in it's surrounding area.
The protected area covers an area of 1.62 km2 and encompasses the part of Flatey east of a line drawn across the island from Lundaberg cliffs to the property boundary of Klausturhólar. It also includes the following islands and islets located south of Flatey: Akurey, Langey, Hádegishólmi, Geirhólmi, Kerlingarhólmi, Máfeyjar, Flathólmi and Lágmúli. Where the protected area extends into the sea, the designation covers the seabed, marine life and water column.
The following special regulations apply to the area:
- Filming, artistic events and gatherings within the protected area are prohibited unless a permit has been obtained from the Nature Conservation Agency of Iceland.
- Landing helicopters or other manned aircraft within the protected area is prohibited unless a permit has been obtained from the Nature Conservation Agency of Iceland. Search- and-rescue operations are exempt from this.