The town council of Kópavogur, a neighboring town of Reykjavík, has agreed to place parts of the fjord Skerjafjörður, including beaches and shallows, which lie within town limits, under preservation to protect birdlife of international importance.

Cycling along the Skerjafjörður coastline. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.

Two areas that are considered to be important for bird habitation will be placed under preservation: 39 hectares in Kópavogur and 23.6 hectares in Fossvogur, Morgunblaðið reports.

Internationally, the Skerjafjörður area is considered to be important for migratory birds such as redbreasts and brent geese. Also, fertile seaweed-covered beaches, mudflats and shallows create the basis for a versatile birdlife in the area year-round.

Skerjafjörður is among several areas in the country where common salt marsh grass and eelgrass can be found, the latter of which is the main source of food for brent geese.

The coastline is popular for recreation; in Fossvogur sailing and other sea sports are practiced.

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