[2] The area received protection in 1988 "to preserve an important wetland area with its habitat, bird life and other wildlife,"[3] according to the conservation regulations.

The landscape consists of varied seaside vegetation with wash margins and salt pans.

Makkevika has a bird-ringing station and is one of the best-described bird locations in Norway.

The area largely borders cultivated land, and it is surrounded by a buffer area measuring 13.8 square kilometers (5.3 sq mi) that received protection at the same time.

The wildlife sanctuary is one of six natural areas that were included in the Giske Wetlands System Ramsar site, which was established in 1996.