Les étangs littoraux de la Narbonnaise. 02/02/06; Languedoc-Roussillon; 12,334 ha; 43°03'N 003°03'E; Site du Conservatoire de l'espace littoral et des rivages lacustres, Regional Nature Park. Five Mediterranean lagoons which, though fed by freshwater, are still connected to the sea , the last natural connections to the sea that are still functioning on the French Mediterranean coast. Large areas of lacustrine vegetation and the salt gradient characterize the ponds and create an ample diversity of habitats such as reedbeds, rush, salt marshes, salt steppes and fixed dunes. The proximity of wet and very dry habitats, especially on the calcareous islets, is a great particularity of the site. Since ancient times salt production has formed the site and maintained its outstanding biodiversity. The plant species and their habitats have high value as a wintering and breeding place for birds as well as staging and feeding site for migrating species. Threats are perceived from degradation of the water quality and of water circulation in the lagoons, acceleration of human pressures, and recession of reedbeds. Tourist development and especially water sport activities threaten the highly sensitive ecosystems such as dunes and salt steppes. Land uses include vineyards, rice paddies and pastures, as well as urban utilization, besides the salines and natural habitats. Ramsar site no. 1593. Most recent RIS information: 2006.