Målmembraen

Målmembraen is a small archipelago located off the coast of Norway, in the Mønsteråsen municipal and fjord area of Fjords region. The archipelago is situated approximately 15 kilometers south of the city of Kristiansand and includes numerous small islands, rocks, and shallow waters.

The name "Målmembraen" is derived from the Old Norse words "málme" and "bræn," meaning "gravel beach" and "rocky area" respectively. This refers to the islands' geological composition, characterized by a mix of rocky outcroppings, sandy beaches, and tidal flats.

Målmembraen is a relatively uncultivated and largely unpopulated region. The islands are mostly covered in grasses, heaths, and low-lying plants, with some sparse usage as temporary grazing grounds for local livestock. The area is also an essential habitat for various bird species and marine life, including seals and fish, due to its unique tidal patterns and nearby nutrient-rich waters.

Archaeological finds indicate that humans have inhabited the Målmembraen islands for at least 2,000 years. Some artifacts, dating from the Iron Age up to the Viking period, have been discovered in the region, including coinage, pottery, and fragments of bronze. These finds suggest that Målmembraen had some importance as a place for local small-scale agriculture and harborage during those times.

Presently, the Målmembraen area is governed by the Mønsteråsen municipal authorities and is mainly protected as a part of Norway's national marine and coastal zone heritage.