Laguna Xola-Paramán. 02/02/08; Jalisco; 775 ha.; 19°44'N 105°16'W. Marine Turtle Sanctuary. A coastal wetland is representative of the transition between the Neartic and Neotropical biogeographic regions. The lagoon is surrounded by low forest vegetation and characterized by small bays of sandy beaches and rocky areas that are part of small alluvial valleys. The mangrove species Laguncularia racemosa, Avicennia germinans and Conocarpus erectus are an important source of nutrients. The site is of great importance for the reproduction of migratory and resident waterfowl, including Ardea herodias, Egretta rufescens, Mycteria americana, Larus heermanni, Sterna elegans and Sterna antillarum, all of which are under special protection. It supports flora species such as Bursera spp., Eysenhardtia polistachya, Acacia pennatula, Forestiera spp., among others. The marine turtles Dermochelys coriacea, Lepidocheys olivacea, and Chelonia agassizi spawn on the beach next to the lagoon, which is under protection by the National Council of Protected Areas of Mexico as a Marine Turtle Sanctuary. Salt extraction and fishing are the main activities carried out in the site. Currently, it shows different states of deterioration, affected mainly by mangrove deforestation, agricultural practices, and pollution of water through agrochemicals. Ramsar site no. 1768. Most recent RIS information: 2008.