Ramsar om Ånnsjön (Sweden 7SE013)

Site: Ånnsjön
Designation date: 05/12/1974
Coordinates: 63° 16'N 012° 33'E
Elevation: 526-571 m
Area: 11,000 ha

Location

The site is situated about 25 km east of the Swedish/Norwegian border, some 105 km west of the town of Östersund, in the county of Jämtland, central western Sweden.

Criteria

1b, 2b, 3b

The mires around the lake are good examples of maritime influenced types and have a diverse flora. The lake itself is notably richer in vascular plants (35 species) than lakes further downstream. Ånnsjön is very important as a resting station for wetland birds that breed further north. Amongst a rich assemblage of breeding wetland birds found at the site are Gavia stellata, G. arctica, Anser fabalis, Anas penelope, Clangula hyemalis, Melanitta nigra, M. fusca, Calidris temminckii, Limicola falcinellus, Numenius phaeopus, Phalaropus lobatus and Sterna paradisaea. The area is also important for wintering raptors.

Wetland Types

O, L, M, U, W (dominant type listed first)

Ånnsjön is a large, very shallow, oligotrophic, freshwater lake, surrounded by extensive mires. There is an inland delta at the western end of the lake.

Biological/Ecological notes

About half of the lakeshore is marshland. A sandy ridge occupies 2 km of shoreline in the east, whilst eroded peat steps (some 3-4 m high) occur along other sections.

Hydrological/Physical notes

The site is situated in the upper part of the catchment of the Indal river. At the western end, the confluence of two rivers has formed the Handöl Delta. There are also deltas in the northwest (Harå) and southeast (Järpå). Calciferous sediments are transported to the lake. The lower course of the River Handölan has many canyon features including torrent areas and magnificent waterfalls.

Human Uses

The lake is used for fishing and general recreation and nature observation and birdwatching in the bird sanctuaries. There are observation towers at the northern and western parts of the lake and also some hides. Birdwatching tours for tourists are organised regularly. In the southwest area surrounding the site there is an area with stone-pits and former copper mines. There are also military exercise areas in the vicinity of the site. The surrounding mountains are mainly used for recreation and reindeer farming.

Conservation Measures

The site is listed as being of national importance for nature conservation. The site includes two Bird Sanctuaries - Enadeltat (1029 ha) and Halsnäset (230 ha), both established in January 1976.

Adverse Factors

The globally threatened goose Anser erythropus used to breed at the lake occasionally but has not been reported recently. Disturbance of sensitive areas by canoes and motor boats may be resposible; Control by the introduction of traffic restrictions may be necessary.

Most recent Ramsar Information Sheet/datasheet: 1991
search the Ramsar Sites Database for more details.