Location
The refuge is located on Polish territorial waters, in Polish economic zone.

Ecosystem
The refuge Przybrzezne Wody Baltyku encompasses a large fragment of coastal reservoir, stretching about 200 km from Polwysep Helski to Zatoka Pomorska. These are waters of the so-called Baltic Proper, up to 15 m. deep. Due to its location as well as isolation from ocean waters the Baltic is a specific sea. It is characterized by very low salinity - average of 7%, which is five times lower than average salinity of the World Ocean (35%). Different parts of the sea present different level of salinity. General level and local diversities depend on climate conditions, inflow of fresh water from large land area and most of all limited contact with ocean waters. The only way through which waters of the Baltic Sea can mix with waters of the Northern Sea are the Danish Straits.

The Southern Baltic, adjoining to the Polish shore, is characterized by varied topography of the bottom and richness of forms typical for the postglacial features of the land. The sea bottom's feature are significant height differences, reaching even up to 3 m. This is mainly a result of the impact of coastal currents.

Strong sea currents within the reservoir create unfavourable conditions for benthos flora and fauna. The area is dominated by gatherings of petty crustaceans, connected mainly with gravel ground.

Coastal waters of the Baltic Sea are most of all an important wintering place for water birds from northern Europe. In winter, when waters of the northern Baltic is covered with ice, numerous flocks of these birds are traveling south in search for food and open water. Occurrence and number of loons: red-throated and Arctic, as well as a group of northern bird species: long-tailed duck, black guillemot and velvet scoter, allow to qualify this area sa Natura 2000 refuge.

The biggest recorded gathering in the area consisted of about 217 000 specimens of long-tailed duck. Big concentrations of the species can be seen every year in coastal zone and often in docks. The reservoir is also an important wintering place for other species - black scoter (observed gathering of 500 specimens) and lesser black-backed gull (200-2100). Numerous flocks of gulls on the sea off a coastal zone is seasonal and results from presence of fishing boats on local fisheries. Systematic occurrence of Steller's eider - a bird which nests in northern tundra and appears on the Baltic in winter - has also been recorded here.

Przybrzezne Wody Baltyku are a part of a permanent bird migration route. Twice a year birds fly along coasts of the south Baltic. Also large sea mammals - grey seals and ringed seals as well as porpoises - are observed in the area.

Threats
A main threat to natural values of the area is connected with exploitation of fish resources. Many birds drown in nets which are set during the biggest bird concentrations. Another potential threat comes from the plans to build large complexes of wind power stations. Their location on a bird migration route may lead to a conflict between economic functions and nature protection.

Since the refuge is not a physically isolated part of the Baltic a potential threat of oil pollution may appear in case of engine failures or catastrophes of ships sailing nearby.

Forms of Nature Protection
A fragment of the refuge is protected within Slowinski Park Narodowy. A sea part of the Park encompasses a belt of coastal waters, 32 km long (at the longitude of Rowy and Leba seaside resorts) and reaching 2 nautical miles from the shore.