[1][2] The reserve is dominated by strandlines and patterned ground, although large sections are glaciated.

On Edgeøya, many areas have raised beach deposits, giving distinct strandline, and showing whale bones formerly below sea level.

There is an all-year visitation ban on Zieglerøya, Delitschøya, Spekkholmen, Haudegen and large parts of Halvmåneøya.

On Thousand Islands is a core area featuring red-throated divers, brent geese and Arctic terns.

[1] The reserve has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports breeding populations of barnacle and brent geese, king eiders.