Protection Status
Hrísey was designated a nature reserve in 1977. The protected area encompasses Hrísey islanditself and the surrounding shores, extending up to 100 metres from the mean high-water mark of spring tides. For the protection of birdlife, access to the island is prohibited between 15 April and 15 July. The protected area is subject to double protection, as it also falls within the protected area of Breiðafjörður Bay, puruant to Act No. 54/1995 on the Protection of Breiðafjörður. In addition there is a protected eider duck nesting area on the island. Hrísey island is privately owned.