The Dee Estuary. 17/07/85; England, Wales; 14.302 ha; 53°18' 08'N 03°12' 56' W. Added to the Montreux Record, 4 July 1990. Natura 2000 (SPA, SAC) Local Nature Reserve; SSSI. The Dee is a large funnel-shaped sheltered estuary and is one of the top ten estuaries in the UK for wintering and passage waterfowl populations. The estuary supports internationally important numbers of waterfowl and waders. The estuary plays a very important role in shoreline stabilisation and dissipation of erosive forces, sediment trapping and water supply. The two shorelines of the estuary show a marked contrast between the industrialised usage of the coastal belt in Wales and residential and recreational usage in England. The site was subject of Ramsar Advisory Missions in 1993 and 1994 due to several adverse factors affecting its ecological character: pollution, overfishing, introduction of invasive species and general disturbance from transport and industrial activities. Since them, management plans have been developed and implemented. However, some of the threats remain. Ramsar site no. 298. Most recent RIS information: 2012.