Shagany-Alibei-Burnas Lakes System consists of three shallow Black Sea “limans” (brackish lagoons) which are separated from the sea by a sandy spit. They are set in a closed drainage area and are thus subject to drought and inflow of saltwater due to strong sea currents. The Site includes a sandy-shell bar, peninsulas and islands. Vegetation consists of salt meadows and aquatic plants. The Site is important for many nationally threatened waterbirds, for nesting and during migration: it supports more than one percent of the regional population of red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis). The lagoons provide habitat for Danube salmon (Hucho hucho) and starry sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus), both classified as critically endangered. Threats to the Site include pollution from intensive agriculture, temperature extremes and change of salinity due to periodic disconnection of the Site from the Black Sea. Human activities include conservation education, traditional fishing, and recreation. The Site’s boundary was delineated more accurately in 2021, increasing the recorded area by almost 8,600 hectares.