Ria Formosa. 24/11/80; Regiao Algarve; 16,000 ha; 37°03'N 007°47'W. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Natural Park. A complex of coastal saltwater lagoons and barrier islands, with extensive mudflats, sand banks, dune systems, saltmarshes, and substantial Zostera beds. The site also includes Pinus plantations, urban areas, agricultural land, industrial sites, and nurseries for fish and mollusc rearing. The area is important for numerous species of breeding, wintering and staging waterbirds, including egrets and ibis. The site is of botanical importance, supporting several endemic plants, and is a major nursery zone for fish. Ramsar site no. 212. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Algarve