Hamburgisches Wattenmeer. 01/08/90; Hamburg; 11,700 ha; 53°53'N 008°17'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; National Park. An area of the Wadden Sea consisting of sand, mudflats, islands and saltmarshes, situated near the mouth of the Elbe River. The nutrient-rich waters support high biomass production and are important for spawning fish. The site is of international importance for staging and wintering numerous species of waterbirds, and one of the most important breeding areas for several species of terns. Mammals include breeding populations of Halichoerus grypus and Phoca vitulina. Ramsar site no. 501. Most recent RIS information: 1992.