Ría de Mundaka-Guernika. 26/03/93; País Vasco; 945 ha; 43°22'N 002°40'W. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; Wildlife Refuge. A coastal wetland complex near the mouth and lower reaches of the Guernika and Mundaka rivers.The site includes beaches, regularly and intermittently inundated salt marshes supporting salt-resistant vegetation, intertidal mud and sand flats with Zostera beds, and small sedge and reedbeds. The area is notable for its rich fauna, which includes a diversity of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Various species of waterbirds use the site for nesting, staging or wintering. Significantly, it is the second most important staging area in Spain for the Dutch breeding population of Platalea leucorodia. Presently, increasing tourism and shellfish, crustacean, and annelid worm harvesting are major human activities. Ramsar site no. 600. Most recent RIS information: 1999.