Golfe du Morbihan. 08/04/91; Bretagne; 23,000 ha; 47°35'N 002°47'W. Nature Reserve, Natural area of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest (ZNIEFF), Biotope Protection Order, Hunting Reserve, Natura 2000 (SPA, SCI), IBA. A large, almost enclosed, estuarine embayment and saltmarsh complex at the mouths of three rivers. Exposed at low tide, vast mudflats connect the bay with the Atlantic Ocean. Important in preventing coastal erosion, and the basis of the wetland's productivity, the intertidal flats support large areas of Zostera beds and an extremely high density of invertebrates. Up to 100,000 waterbirds winter annually at the site, and numerous species of migratory waterbirds stage and nest in the area. Many species of flora and fauna are protected under national and EU legislation. Oyster farming produces an annual harvest of more than 10,000 tonnes. Other human activities include commercial and sport fishing and tourism. Environmental education opportunities and several observatories exist. Ramsar Site no. 517. Most recent RIS information: 2012.