Lagoa de St. André et Lagoa de Sancha. 08/05/96; Regiao Alentejo; 2,638 ha; 38°03'N 008°48'W. Special Protection Area EC Directive. Shallow, brackish coastal lagoons subject to widely fluctuating water and salinity levels set on the dry southwest coast of Iberia. The site includes an extensive dune system with characteristic vegetation, extensive reedbeds merging into agricultural areas, and pine forest. The lagoon is a major waterbirds refuge in Western Iberia, supporting outstanding concentrations of up to 13,000 F. atra in the post-breeding period. It is also important as a breeding and wintering site for ducks and other waterbirds. The reedbeds are crucial stopover sites for many trans-saharan passerines. Human activities include traditional fishing, recreation, agriculture, and livestock grazing. Ramsar site no. 828. Most recent RIS information: 1993.

Regiao Alentejo