Lower Prut Lakes. 20/06/00. Judet Cahul. 19,152 ha. 45°42'N 028°11'E. The River Prut forms the western border of the site as well as the state border with Romania, and the site extends to the river's confluence with the Danube. Consisting of Ramsar Wetland Types O (permanent freshwater lakes), M (permanent river), and 1 (fish ponds), the site is considered to fulfil Criteria 2 on vulnerable species and especially 3 on biodiversity. Lakes Beleu and Manta are unique ecosystems, described as the last natural floodplains in the lower Danube region. The system is important for groundwater recharge, flood control, and sediment trapping, and it supports an imposing list of rare and threatened species of flora and fauna. A number of heritage sites can be seen in the area, including some of Roman Emperor Trajan's wall (ca.100 A.D.). Fish harvests have been decreasing markedly in recent years, forests are generally seen to be deteriorating, and quite a few adverse conservation factors have been listed as requiring attention. A management plan is in preparation, particularly in hopes of creating a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve over more or less the same site. Ramsar site no. 1029. Most recent RIS information: 1999.