Matsalu Nature Reserve. 29/03/94; 48,610 ha; 58°45'N 023°40'E. A wetland consisting of Kasari delta, Matsalu Bay, coastal and alluvial flooded meadows, reedbeds, forests and the shallow Moonsund waters with islets. An important waterbird nesting and migration site for species such as Grus grus (15,000 counted one evening), Branta leucopsis, Cygnus cygnus and Anser anser (400 nesting pairs, about 5,000 migrating). The site is also important for raptors and carnivores. Rich in flora, there are 700 species of vascular plants with six species under protection, including Malus sylvestris, Prunus spinosa, Oxytropis pilosa. The Reserve is used primarily for fishing, traditional grazing, haymaking practices, and on a lower scale, for forestry and hunting. Originally designated by the former Soviet Union, 11 October 1976. Ramsar site no. 104. Most recent RIS information: 2003.